-\ ,.\ 



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fi®" Twenty-five copies only of this book 
are printed and bound, without the name of 
a publisher. They are for use as samples 
in soliciting proposals from those engaged in 
that business to become its publishers, or 
sole agents for the sale of it. 



Thifi is J\ 



o IX 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



Shelf, -r^ 

. r^^s- 

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 




THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR 



HISTORY 



OF 



AN ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY 



OF 



BRAHAM LiNCOL 



(LATE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA) 



INCLUDING A HISTORY OF 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



With Eight Years Lincoln Memorial Services. 



EDITED BY 



John Carroll power, 

Custodian of the National Lincoln Monument and 
Seceetaey of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. 




rd-^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, April 19, 18S7, 

By JOHN CARROLL POWER. 

In the Office of the Libraiian of Congress, at Washington. 



INTRODUCTORY. 



This volume is a record, in the plainest language possible, 
of the plotting-s prior to, and of the attempt to steal, the 
body of Abraham Lincoln, in order to make merchandise of 
it. Man, in the order of creation, is justly regarded as tlie 
master-piece. He is endowed with attributes that bring him 
nearer the throne of Deity than any other created being in 
the physical world. He also has within him a germ of evil, 
which, "if not kept under subjection by the good and the true, 
drags him down to unfathomable depths of infamy.. There 
could not be a more forcible manife.station of the truth of 
the latter than the undisputed fact, that there are always 
beings in human form who, for the sake of obtaining money, 
would first unlawfully gain possession of the dead body of 
one of Ihe greatest benefactors of the human family, and 
then make use of the advantage thus gained to extort wealth 
from those who are in sympathy with his life and public ser- 
vices. That this is all true, the reader will be convinced by a 
perusal of the. succeeding pages of this history. 

'Ihe Memorial Services conducted by The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor, were, ])rimai-ily, to keep the members of our own 
organization in line, ready for action against any threatened 
demonstration to once more desecrate the resting place of 
the Martyr, terminating in the burial of his body beyond 
reach, in one night, of all ghouls and vandals combined. Then 
it was all-important that we should present a tangible reason 
to the public for the existence of such a society, which we 
could only do by holding these services. To have explained 
to too many friends, might, by the indiscretion of some, 
have had the same effect as treason to our trust. These ser- 
vices will furnish a variety of expression that will be pleasing 
to all lovers of their country and of human freedom— especially 
to all patriotic Americans. 

J. C. P. 
Memoijial Hall, National Llntoln ]Monument, 
Sprlngfield, Illlnois, October, 1889. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



The Lincoln Guard of Honor Frontispiece. 

Map of Monument Grounds 48 

Ground Plan of Monument 50 

National Lincoln Monument — South View 52*. 

National Lincoln Monument— North View. 54 

Interior of Catacomb, as Thieves left it 56 

Interior of Catacon b, restored 58 

Profile of Lincoln, and small cut of Monument 110 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor Badge Ill 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor Seal 168 

German Turners' Tablet— Facing 223 

Monument to Thomas Lincoln . 239 

Power Coat of Arms . . 269 

Portrait of J. C. Power— Facing 271 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

DIVISION FIRST • ^"^^ 

Eespect for Resting Places of the Dead-Desecration of the Tomb of Rev. 
George Whit ^fleld— Bone from one of his arms sent to England— The 
Tomb of George Washington invaded — First Plot to Steal the Body of 
Lincoln laid by a Springfield Lawyer-Second Plot by a Counterfeiter in 
St. Louis-Counterfeiters and Thieves to put it into execution - Scheme 
well laid, but Whisky defeats it-The principal Conspirator changes his base. 

DIVISION SECOND l®"^^ 

Plots and Coimterplots Discovered by a former Government officer — Cor- 
respondence with, and Statements by, parties who were cognizant of parts 
of the Plots- Widely separated with the flight of time -Ignorance and 
Whisky the general cause of defeat in such schemes. 

DIVISION THIRD 27-38 

Thieves. Counterfeiters and Counterfeit Engravers — Jack Hughes— Lewis 
C. Swegles— P. D. Tyrell, of the United States Secret Service— The Hub— 
Terrence Mullens— First intimation to the officers of a Plot to Steal Lin- 
coln's body to secm-e the release of Ben Boyd— Ben Boyd and Nelson 
Driggs the most expert Counterfeit engravers in the United States— Their 
Arrest at the same hour, though 200 miles apart— Sketch of Boyd, with 
his aliases— His work as a Counterfeiter— Account of his Capture— Driggs' 
Sohd Wealth— Trial, Conviction and Sentence of Boyd— Talents necessary 
to be an expert Counterfeit engraver. 

DIVISION FOURTH 38-67 

Plotting in Chicago to Steal the Body of Lincoln— Discovered in Hunting 
for Counterfeiters— Thieves, like fish, can only be caught with the right 
bait— Watchmen placed at the Lincoln Monument — Brief sketch of the 
U. S. Secret Service— Assumes immense proportions in consequence of 
the Slaveholders' Rebellion— Large sums of money appropriated by Con- 
gress—Chiefs of the Secret Service— Counterfeit and Stolen Money recov- 
ered—Plates for Treasury notes. National Banknotes, fractional currency 



VI TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

and steel dies for coin, recovered — Time spent by P. D. Tyrrell in locat- 
ing Boyd and Driggs preparatory to capturing them — Great value of the 
United States Secret Service— Thieves expected to make &200.000 by steal- 
ing the body of Lincoln — Eeasons for making the Attempt on the night 
after Presidential election day — Tyrrell moralizing on the Perils of the 
Expedition to Springfield- Visits the Monument and lays his Plans— One 
of the Conspirators visits the Monument— Oificers concealed in Memorial 
Hall— Disposal of the Forces— Waiting for the Thieves — Their Arrival— 
Ofificers shoot at each other by mistake — Narrow Escape from Death by 
both parties— Thieves Foiled, but make their Escape — Captured in Chi- 
cago and bi'ought to Springfield for Trial — Letter from Hon. Leonard 
Swett— No law in lUinois at that time making it a penitentiary offense to 
steal a daad body— Such a law enacted. 

DIVISION FIFTH 67-74 

Transcript from the Records of the Court, of the Tiial and Conviction of 
the Thieves. 

DIVISION SIXTH 75-105 

Precautions against further Attempts at Robbery— Tempoi-ary Vault— Trans- 
ferring and Identifying the Remains — The Remains of Thomas (Tad) 
Lincoln the first in the Monument— The body of President Lincoln and 
two other children next— The Catacomb and Sarcophagus— Fears that the 
body would be yet taken away — Its Removal for Safety — Efforts of the 
Custodian to secretly bury it— The place too wet— Stealing the body of 

A. T. Stewart renews anxiety for the safety of Lincoln's remains— The 
Custodian instructed to call to his aid trustworthy men, and Secretly 
bury the body — A warning of Danger to the Custodian — The Secret 
Burial is accomplished— Records kept by G. S. Dana— The Importance of 
a Secret Organization — Death of Mrs. Lincoln— Her body secretly Re- 
moved to the side of her husband— Letter from Robert T. Lincoln— Work- 
men running over the bodies of President and Mrs. Lincoln— An Undig- 
nified Position— Movement by Hon. Lincoln Dubois to have the bodies so 
buried that the secrecy could be removed — Members of the Guard of 
Honor turn the bodies over to the Monument Association— Identified— 
Buried— Inside a Solid Mass of Stone— Custodian's Description to Visitors. 

DIVISION SEVENTH 106-123 

Organization of The Lincoln Guard of Honor— First Election of Officers- 
First Memorial Service— Progiamrao— Badge— Two Versions of Lineoin's 
Farewell Address— His Second Inaugural Address — Address by Rev. W. 

B. Affleck— Governor Cullom — Lincoln's Favorite Poem— Letter from 
Lieut.-Governor Shuman— The Guard of Honor and Grand Army of the 
Republic unite in the Services of Decoration Day— Nine wreaths of Ever- 
greens and nine Bouquets on the Sarcopagus— Not to observe the Anni- 
versary of Lincoln's birth. 



TAIJLE OF CONTENTS. VII 

PAGE 

DIVISION EIGHTH 124-142 

Second Annual Meeting and Election of Officers — Second Memorial Ser- 
vices—Oration by Eev. Julian M. Sturtevant, D. D.— Singing of "America" 
—Two Versions of Lincoln's Gettysburg Speech— Address by Gen. H. H. 
Thomas— Address by C. L. Conlding — By Rev. W. B. Affleck— Singing, 
Prayer and Benediction— Decoration Day at the Monument— Ladies cover 
the Sarcophagus with flowers— The Lincohi Guard of Honor at the pho- 
tograph gallery. 

DIVISION NINTH 113-166 

Certificate of Honorary Membership — Seal — Third Annual Meeting the 
Election of Officers — First Contribution for Certificrte — Circular to the 
People— Guard of Honor approved by the Monument Association— Third 
Memorial Service— Prayer— Singing— Address by Gov. Cullom— Address 
and Reading by J. C. Power— Lincoln's Temperance A.ddress— Address by 
Hon. James A. Connolly — Reading by Mrs. E. S. Johnson — Death and 
Funeral of Mrs. Lincoln— Secret removal of her body. 



DIVISION TENTH 167-183 

Fourth Annual Meeting and Election of Officers— Sales of Certificates— Copy 
of Certificate— Seal— Note for S200 paid— Treasurer McNeill resigns— Fourth 
Memorial Service-Prayer— Battle Hymn of the Republic— Greetings with 
San Francisco— Address by Gen. Henderson— Address and Poem by John 
H. Bryant — Address by Rev. R. O. Post — Lincoln's Army Order on the 
Sabbath— Prayer by Rev. G. E. Scrimger. 



DIVISION ELEVENTH 181-198 

Fifth Annual Meeting and Election of Officers— California Greetings— Fifth 
Service— Author of "America" — Prayer — Singing— A.ddress by Governor 
Palmer — Poem by J. T. Goodman on the Death of Lincoln — Lincoln's 
Shortest and Best Speech — Poem by Rev. S. F. Smith, D.D.— Singing 
"America"— Address by Judge Matheny — President Lincoln's Remains at 
the Capitol— Ode by E. A. Sherman— Thanks for flowers. 



DIVISION TWELFTH 199-225 

Sixth Annual Meeting and Election of Officers — Sixth Memorial Service- 
German Turners— Appeal to the Citizens of Springfield— Programme, St. 
Louis and Springfield— Prayer by Dr. Springer— Address of Welcome by 
Governor Oglesby — Oration in English by Hon. J. C. Conkling— Singing, 
Lincoln Hymn, in German— Oration in German, by Dr. StarkloiT— Oration 
by Gen. Logan — Address by Gen. W. T. Sherman — Letters read — Poem 
by the Author of "America"— Memorial Tablet. 



VIII TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

PAGE 

DIVISION THIRTEENTH ; 226-243 

Seventh Annual Meeting and Election of Oflficers — Seventh Memorial Ser- 
vice—Prayer by Dr. Springer— Oration by Major James A. Connolly- 
Poem, "Our Eloquent Dead"— Poem and Monument at the Grave of Lin- 
Lincoln's Father— Dirge— Reading by C. L. Conkling— Prayer and Bene- 
diction by Rabbi Charles Austrian— Meeting of The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor. 

DIVISION FOURTEENTH 224-265 

Eighth Annual Meeting and Election of Officers— Exhuming, Identifying and 
Reburial of the Bodies— Eighth Memorial Service— Programme— Invoca- 
tion by Dr. McElroy— Singing— Oration by Bishop Seymour— Oration by 
Hon. W. H. Collins— Historical Sketch of The Lincoln Guard of Honor- 
Prayer and Benediction by Dr. Springer. 

DIVISION FIFTEEN-rH 265-286 

Membership of The Lincoln Guard of Honor— G. S. Dana— J. N Eeece— 
J. C. Power-E. S. Johnson— J. F. McNeill-J. P. Lindley-N. B. Wiggins 
—Horace Chapin— C. L. Conkling. 



DIVISION FIRST. 



Kespect for the Resting Places of the Dead ahnost Universal— Desecration of the 
Tomb of Rev. George Whitefield and of George Washington— First Plot to 
Steal the Body of Lincohi by a La^\yer — Second Plot by a Counterfeiter- 
Counterfeiters and Thieves to put it into Execution— The Scheme well laid, 
but Whisky Defeats It — Prmcipal Conspirator Changes his Base. 



Kespect for the remains and burial places of the dead is an 
instinct of our nature, or a principle implanted by Diety in 
the breasts of the human family. Unswerved by passion, 
prejudice or cupidity-, this feeling would always control the 
actions of men. But there is another principle, or rather a 
want of it, in human nature, in direct conflict with the Divine 
one just alluded to. AVhen men are moved by the latter, a 
demoniac frenzy, sometimes mistaken for religious zeal, and 
at others, believed by those who act in the matter to be pa- 
triotic fervor, governs them. Instances might be mentioned 
in history where, years and even centuries after death, the 
bones of distinguished divines and statesmen have been ex- 
humed, burned, their ashes scattered to the winds, and other 
indignities practiced towards them. It is not my purpose to 
cite au}^ of those cases in other lands, but will confine myself 
to two in our own country, one through mistaken religious 
zeal and veneration for the subject, the other without ap- 
parent motive. 

Rev. George Whitefield, the great revivalist preacher, after 
a life of marvelous success in turning men from lives of sin 
and ungodliness to embrace Christianity, both in England 
and America, died Sept. 30, 1770, at Newburyport, Massa- 
chusetts. He had often felt his soul so much comforted while 
preaching in the Presbji;erian church at Newburyport, that 
he expressed a desire to be buried beneath its pulpit, if he 
should die in that part of the country. In compliance with 
this request, a vault was prepared under the pulpit, and his 
remains deposited in it Oct. 2, 1770. For more than half a 



10 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

century his tomb was visited by thousands, without any act 
of desecration. Whitefiekl was buried in his gown, cossack, 
bands and wig, and some time anterior to 1827, an act 
prompted by thoughtless zeal, without an element of malice, 
was committed. Rev. L. Tyerman, in his Life of Whitefield, 
relates the incident in this way: "Many years ago, Mr. Bol- 
ton, an Englishman, and one of Whitefield's admirers, wished 
to obtain a small memento of the great preacher. A friend 
of Bolton's stole the main bone of Whitefiekrs right arm, 
and sent it to England. Bolton was horrihed with his friend's 
sacrilegious act, and carefully returned the bone, in 1837 
(another account says 1849) to Rev. Dr. J. F. Stearns, then 
pastor of the church at Newbury port. Great interest was 
created by the restoration of AVhitefleld's relic. A procession 
of two thousand people followed it to the grave, and it was 
restored to its original position. That bone now lies cross- 
wise near the region of the breast, and the little box in which 
it was returned is laid upon the coffin." 

Having learned that an attempt was once made to steal 
the remains of George Washington, I searched every old news- 
paper file, and "Nile's Register," the most popular periodical 
of its time, without finding a word on the subject. I wrote 
to Col. J. McH. Hollings worth, then Superintendent of Mount 
Vernon. In a letter from him under date of March 29, 1877, 
I find this language: "I would say that the only attempt 
that was ever made to steal the remains of Washington, was 
during the year 1830. The offender was detected and captured, 
and it was found that he had the skull and some of the bones 
of one of the Blackburn family." (What relation the Black- 
burn family bears to Washington, or how their remains came 
to lie in his tomb, I have never learned.) 

Col. Hollingsworth referred me to a book entitled, the 
"Home of Washington," by Benson J. Lossing. Finding so 
little there. I wrote to the venerable historian and received 
the following reply: 

The Ridge, Dover Plains, N. Y., June 19, 1877. 

Deae Sir : — Your favor of the 15th instant reached me last evening. I regret 

that I cannot add anything to wliat I have stated in " Home of Wasliington." So 

mucli and no more was told me, about thirty years ago, by George Washington 

Pai'ke Custis, at Arlington House. I first published the facts in my " Field Book 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 11 

of the Kovolution." Mr. Custis gave me no other clue to the culprit, than that it 
was a physician, Uving some distance from Mount Vernon, and that he obtained 
only a skuU and a few bones of remains in the old vault, which were not Wash- 
ington's." 

George Washington Parke Custis having died in 1857, prob- 
ably very soon after giving the information to Mr. Lossing, 
there is now no opportunity to obtain further information 
from any person connected with tlie Washington family. 

Mr. Lossing, in the "Home af Washingi3on," says: "For 
thirty years the remains of Washington lay undisturbed in 
the old vault, when the tomb was entered and an attempt 
made to carry away the bones of the illustrious dead. Others 
were taken by mistake, and the robber being detected, they 
were restored." 

We have ho intimation of the motive of the robber, but the 
absence of any attempt to extort money, leaves it a matter 
of conjecture. If it was for scientific purposes the robber de- 
feated his own object, for he would not dare to make use of 
the knowledge thus obtained. It is most probable that he 
was simply moved by a morbid desire to obtain a rehc con- 
nected with an illustrious name, and that if he had been per- 
mitted to keep it he never could have enjoyed the poor 
privilege of boasting of his possession. 

George Washington and our fathers won their independence 
of a foreign foe, but, in framing the new government, tliej 
were, from the force of their surroundings, compelled to choose 
between the danger of falling a prey to some other national 
power, for want of a stronger band of union than that un- 
der which they had achieved their independence, and leaving 
a fetter for their children to break. The true patriots among 
them vainly hoped that the fetter of human slavery would 
gradually yield to the ]irinciple they had so boldly enunciated 
and sustained through seven years of bloody war, that all 
men are created equal. But slavery, like a torpid viper 
warmed into life, at first sectional, was for a time humble 
and supplicating, until it gradually gained strength and ac- 
quired almost -a, complete mastery over the nation. By un- 
warranted assumptions of authority, extending over more 
than half a century, and the prostitution of the judicial er- 
mine to its base purposes, it was in the very act of making- 
freedom sectional, or subordinate, and itself becoming 



12 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

national. Faithful sentinels appeared on the battlements of lib- 
erty. Many polished writers and eloquent orators sounded 
their warning notes. Some were stricken down with blud- 
geons, both out and' in the councils of the nation. Some 
were hung by the neck and others shot to death in their 
efforts to arouse the people in defense of their liberties. At 
length, one arose out of the very depths and degradation of 
slavery, uncouth in person, uneducated in the schools, unin- 
fluenced by the marts of trade, honest and fearless. He de- 
fines the relative position of slavery and freedom in language 
so plain and simple as to charm the high and the low, the 
rich and the poor, the polished educator and the illiterate 
citizen. He was soon recognized as a born leader of the hosts 
of freedom in the impending struggle, and Abraham Lincoln 
was elected President of the United States of America. Four 
months before he could exercise any official authority, slavery 
saw that it could no longer rule the nation, and commenced 
the work of destroying it by forming another and hostile na- 
tion from its territory. The chief corner-stone of this new 
nation was avowedly to be, not human freedom, but human 
slavery. Near the beginning of the struggle to establish this 
new nation on the principles of human bondage, Lincoln 

said : 

"It seems as if God had borne with this thing— slavery— 
until the very teachers of religion have come to defend it 
from the Bible, and to claim for it a divine character and 
sanction ; and now the cup of iniquity is full and the vials of 
wrath will be poured out." 

After four years of war, the sacrifice of hundreds of thou- 
sands of human lives, and bilUons of dollars in treasure, 
slavery was overthrown and the Nation saved. In its death 
throes, slavery, by the hand of an assassin, slew the good 
President. Slavery was dead but its spirit lived, and there 
was a lower depth of infamy to which it could sink. It could 
no longer, by the lash, extort money from the flesh and 
blood of the living slave ; its next move was an effort by 
demons in human form, under full control of its diabohcal 
spirit, and in utter disregard of the rights and decencies of 
humanity, to speculate on the dead body of the great Eman- 
cipator, as if in revenge for his having rescued so many vic- 
tims from its cruel grasp. 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 13 

In 1867, only two years after the death of President lin- 
cohi, a lawyer in Springfield, unknown to fame, conceived 
the brilliant idea of stealing the body of the President, con- 
veying it South, perhaps outside of the United States, secret- 
ing itt and waiting for the offer of a ransom, to reveal its 
place of concealment. He communicated his designs to two 
young men, one a telegraph operator, the other a mechanic, 
and tried to induce them to take part with him in the 
conspiracy.- Thev both dechned, and he abandoned the 
project, most probably because in his offer to them he had 
furnished witnesses against himself. The lawyer died a few 
years later. Neither of the young men are living in Spring- 
field now. 

But the plot of all plots, for infamy, in conspirmg to steal 
the dead body of a human being, and hold it in concealment, 
with the hope of extorting ransom money, originated with a 
man by the name of James B. Kinealy, alias big Jim Kin- 
nelly. He was convicted of having passed a counterfeit fifty 
dollar note in Peoria, Ihinois, and was sentenced to five 
yea,rs in the penitentiary at Joliet. He was serving out that 
term in 1870, when Elmer Washburn was warden there. At 
the expiration of his five years, he went to St. Louis, Mis- 
souri, and there either really or ostensibly became partner 
in a livery business. Most hkely his Uvery business was only 
a cover to other movements. He was in league with expert 
engravers and printers of counterfeit money. By methods 
which he seemed to understand well, he organized bands of 
men at different points, and somehow got into communica- 
tion with other bands already organized, all of whom he 
supplied with coney, or bogus money, at a greatly reduced 
rate, for all the good money they could raise. He would 
transact business with one only of any given band, and 
would never permit tha.t one to introduce another of the 
band, or gang, to him. That one might gather all the good 
money his gaiig could raise, go to Kinealy with it, and let 
him know what was wanted in return. Kinealy would, in a 
round-about way, go to his engraver and printer and let 
him know what was wanted, and agree upon a place where 
it should be deposited, either by a tree or stump, or the 
corner of a building or fence, in a sewer or undei- a rock, 
any good hiding place, where it never was expected to stay 



14 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

long. He would then retnrn to his visiting patron, get all 
his good money, take a walk with him, and from a safe dis- 
tance point out the spot where the bogus money could be 
found, keep in waiting until his patron obtained it, and gave 
a preconcerted signal that all was right, then each would go 
his way without coming within speaking distance of each 
other, until another visit. In this way Kinealy, who was an 
Irishman by birth, was doing more than any other ten or 
twenty men to put counterfeit money into circulation, but 
his natural shrewdness was such, that although his methods 
were known to detective officers, they could never get a legal 
hold on him, for he never touched a dollar of bad money. 
He was the man who originated the scheme to steal the re- 
mains of President Lincoln. 

In June, 187(5, the Chief of Police for the City of Springfield, 
Mr. Abner Wilkinson, called the Custodian of the Lincoln 
Monument aside, while he was walking along the streets, and 
told him confidentially, that in the discharge of his official 
duties he had discovered a plot to steal the remains of Presi- 
dent Lincoln. The plan, as he understood it, was to take the 
body from the catacomb at the monument, conceal it in some 
safe place, and when a sufficient amount of money was offered 
as a reward for revealing its place of concealment, have some 
accomplice who could prove himself to have been a long dis- 
tance away at the time it was taken, find it in a seemingly 
accidental manner, obtain the reward and divide it among 
the parties concerned in the scheme. Mr. Wilkinson closed 
with the suggestion to the Custodian that he should inform 
the members of the Monument Association, in order to give 
them an opportunity to take some precautions to guard 
against the contemplated desecration. Acting on this sug- 
gestion the Custodian conveyed the information to Hon. John 
T. Stuart, Col. John Williams and Jacob Bunn, then the 
Executive Committee of the National Lincoln JMonument As- 
sociation, and it seemed to them so incredible that no atten- 
tion was given to it. 

The beginning of the Centennial year found a band of thieves 
and counterfeiters, numbering sixteen men, — the names of 
whom are all in the possession of the writer, — with their head- 
quarters at the town bearing the name of our martyred Presi- 
dent, Lincoln, the county seat of Logan county, Illinois. It 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 15 

is thirtv miles north of Springfield, on tlie Chicago, Alton and 
St. Louis Railroad. One of this band has been heard to say, 
that when in the full tide of their operations, there was moi-e 
counterfeit than genuine money in circulation in Logan 
county. Five of that band came to Springfield in March, 
1876, rented a store room at the north side of Jefferson 
street, second door west of Fifth, opened a drinking saloon, 
and iitted u]) the room over it for dancing. One of the five 
was selected as the bartender and was the ostensible pro- 
prietor. The others were present by ones and twos, as 
hangers on. The object of keeping this establishment was 
that they might be enabled to ply their business of shoving 
counterfeit money, and use it as a rendezvous where they 
could, without arousing suspicion, lay their plans to steal the 
body of President Lincoln. They had frequent meetings, each 
and all visited the monument, mingled with other visitors, 
and one and another would ask such questions as would 
bring out all the facts about the different enclosures of the 
body, including the sarcophagus, as would be important for 
them to know. Early in June every detail was arranged, and 
the night of July 3, 1876, agreed upon as the time for putting 
their diabolical designs into execution. They were to open 
the marble sarcophagus, and take the body in the leaden and 
wood coffins, convey all to the Sangamon river about two 
miles north, and bury it in a gravel bar under a bridge, then 
disperse and wait for a reward, or an opportunity to negotiate 
for its return. 

The time was chosen with demoniac shrewdness. The mis- 
creants judged that, on the morning of July 4th, while the 
people in every part of our nation, with the most elaborate 
preparations, were in the very act of giving expression to a 
hundred years of self-sacrificing patriotism, in founding and 
perfecting a system of government under which all men are 
free, to have the news conveyed to them by lightning flashes, 
that the remains of the beloved central figure, in the crown- 
ing act, had been ignominiously torn from their resting place 
in the stately Mausoleum erected for the purpose, by the 
people, would call forth fabulous sums of money, as free-will 
offerings, that they might be rescued from vandal hands. 

But Satan sometimes furnishes the means to defeat his best 
laid schemes, and thus overleaps himself, and this was one of 



16 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

such occasions. Gen. Peter Horry, of South Carohna, a local 
historian of the American Revolution, makes use of the fol- 
lowing language: "That great poet, John Milton, who seems 
to have known him well, assures us that the devil was the 
inventor of gunpowder. But, for my own part, were I in the 
humor to ascribe any particular invention to the author of 
all evil, it should be that of distilling apple brandy. We 
have Scripture for it that he began his capers with the apple ; 
then, wh}' not go on with the brandy, which is but the hery 
juice of the apple." 

Gen. Horry then relates a number of instances of the dis- 
astrous effects of intoxicating drinks among the soldiers who 
achieved our independence, closing with one in which it acci- 
dentally did good by preventing a. battle between two parties 
of patriots. This makes it in order here to relate how 
whisky defeated the best laid scheme ever devised, by the con- 
spirators, to steal the remains of President Lincoln. 

When their preparations were all complete, there were two 
or three weeks' time to while away in idleness, while waiting 
for the night of July 3d. This was the most trying point. 
Until that time, all had gone along smoothly, for each and 
all had kept their secrets, and not a shadow of suspicion had 
been aroused. During this period of waiting, one of the five 
who came to Springfield in March and opened the saloon, 
a man of more intelligence than either of the other four, or 
all of them combined, but of exceedingly depraved morals, 
became elated as he mentally dwelt upon the prospect of the 
great wealth they expected to obtain as a reward for giving 
up the remains or revealing the place of their concealment, 
took on board an unusual quantity of whisky, went around 
among the women of the town, and confidentially told one of 
the keepers of a house of ill-repute that he was in a con- 
spiracy to "steal old Lincoln's bones," and would by that 
means extort so much money from some source, of Avhich he 
did not seem to have any definite idea, as a reward for giv- 
ing up their secrets, that they would all be rich, and would 
expect her and her friends to help them spend the money. 

It was through this channel that Chief of Police Wilkinson 
obtained the information he gave to the Custodian of the 
Monument, as already stated. The man who divulged the 
secret was the editor of a political paper at Lincoln. He left 



ATTEMPT TO STEAT^ THE BODY OP LINCOLN". 17 

Springfield while he was jet intoxicated, but returning in a 
few days sober, found tliat the free use of his tongue when 
drunk, had defeated the whole scheme. The contents of the 
saloon were soon after loaded into wagons and di-iven away 
in the middle of the night, leaving a rent bill unpaid. Whisky 
alone is entitled to the credit of having thwarted this well- 
laid scheme to steal the remains of President Lincoln, but 
the fact that there was such a scheme did not at the time 
become generally known, and the half suppressed rumors of 
it gained but little ci'edence with those who heard it. 

Those sixteen men, shoving counterfeit money in the town 
of IJncoln and Logan county, constituted one of Kinealy's 
bands. After perfecting the scheme in his "own mind, he com- 
municated it to the messenger, who acted between him and 
the band, when the messenger was on one of his trips to St. 
I^ouis, to exchange good for bad money ; and entrusted that 
messenger with the execution of the plot. It was he, with 
four others whom he had selected from the sixteen, who came 
to Springfield, in ]\Iarch, 1876, and opened the drinking 
saloon and dancing room. After the plot was divulged by 
the drunkenness of one of their number, in June, Kinealy had 
nothing more to do with any of the Logan county band, 
and for a time disappeared from their sight. But Ave will 
have something more to say about him in due time. 



18 ATTEMPT TO 8TEAL THE BODY OF LLNXOLN^ 



DIVISION SECOND. 



Plots and Counter Plots Discovered by a Former Government Officer — Correspon- 
dence with several parties who were Cognizant of some parts of the. Plots 
— Ignorance and Whisky Defeat Them. 



After the scheme wrought up iu Springfield and exploded 
by the loquacity of one of the conspirators when under the 
influence of intoxicating drinks, the writer heard that there 
had been a plot, and perhaps counter plots, in Logan county, 
to capture the body of President Lincoln and hold it for a 
ransom. For years it would advance and recede like an 
ignis fatuus. At one time the information came that a 
cavity was left between two brick walls so constructed that it 
would appear to be but one wall or part of a building, after 
the casket had lieen put in and built over. It was said that 
a certain man knew of the plot, and after a long time the 
writer succeeded in obtaining an interview with him, but he 
proved to be so fearful of saying something that would bring 
vengeance down upon himself, that everything he said was 
vague and enigmatical. After six or seven years play of this 
kind I met him on the streets of Springfield in the autumn 
of 1886, when he voluntarily said that he would write a 
statement and place it in my hands, which he did in Jan- 
uary or February, 1887, coming from Mt. Pulaski, for that 
purpose, rather than risk it by mail. By previous arrange- 
ment I met him at the depot of the Illinois Central railroad, 
at ten o'clock in the forenoon, and he returned in less than 
an hour by the same road. He had been a government 
officer in IVIt. Pulaski for many years. I shall designate him 
in the succeeding pages by the initials B. S. L., and his in- 
formant as Mr. S. W., and his informant, the discover of the 
plot, as G. E. K. These initials do not give any clue to the 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 19 

real names of tlie parties, but are used because two of them, 
in o'iving- the information, made special recpiest that their 
names should not be mentioned. This getting my first in- 
formation at third hands and going back from one to an- 
other was the only way I could obtain it, and it seemed to 
me the proper way to present it. The following is the state- 
ment of B. S. L. in condensed form: 

" On a dark, dismal night in tlie fall of 1876, I was accosted by a reputable pro- 
fessional man, an every-day acquaintance, who appeared greatly excited and wa? 
laboring under the influence of alarm, and desired an immediate interview. I in- 
quired if a friend was dead, or if some great calamity had befallen himself or fam- 
ily. He motioned to silence and to my own home, and in the stillness of the night, 
with bated breath, he proposed an appalling storj^ and that I should become the 
medium of action to prevent a great wrong, or to obtain redress in the event of its 
consummation. I at first declined to listen to any statement that would lead me 
to become an interested party. Being assured that the importance of the case 
justified some sacrifice, I finally consented to hear. I was asked to give a pledge 
of eternal secrecy, should I decline to enter into the plan about to be developed. 
After much hesitancy, I took the desired affirmation to be true to the trust and 
divulge nothing. 

" This professional friend then proceeded to say that he was in possession of the 
fact that a scheme was on foot to steal the body of President Abraham Lincoln 
from the sarcophagus in the monument at Springfield. He then proposed that I 
should hear the whole story, go to the proper authorities of the State, and make 
such terms as I could for giving the information, because there was another party 
between this professional man and the conspirators who would expect a liberal 
compensation. This third party was a business man in that part of Logan county. 
He had, in a legitimate way, come in possession of the fact of the conspiracy, 
and that it was the work of about eight persons, mostly citizens of the vicinity of 
Mt. Pulaski ; that they were every day in view and could be apprehended without 
difficultj\ They had an earthly cavern prepared in a place so secluded that it 
could not possibly be discovered. The professional man did not pretend to know 
anything except through the business man or third party, who would come for- 
ward at the proper time with the inside secrets of the plot and the location of the 
cave. The whole soul of my informant seemed aglow with the importance of the 
subject, and I became greatly interested, but had misgivings as to the propriety of 
entering into an agreement that might lead to serious consequences, should the 
guilty parties be apprehended and discover their prosecutor in the person of a go- 
between. 

"Hearing all, and having promised, I accordingly found myself next morning 
hastening towards the capital of our State. There I presented myself to Gov. 
Beveridge, and in his private office related the stoiy substantially as given me. 
The Governor expressed himself as willing, but unable to render or promise any 
aid. He referred me to Hon. John T. Stuart, chairman of the executive committee 
of the National Lincoln Monument Association. I called on him, and detailed the 
stoiy and its requirements. He became greatly interested, but the conditions 
amazed him. He said good citizens did not usually demand returns for their good 
acts, especially in aiding to thwart such a sacrilegious scheme as the one in con- 



20 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

templation. His remarks made me feel that my mission should have been to give 
the information regardless of conditions. I reminded him that I could not do that 
under the promise made, and could not give any actual information, because it had 
not yet been given to me. He kindly recommended and insisted that I go to Chi- 
cago, and lay the matter before Messrs. Kobert T. Lincoln, Leonard Swett and 
Elmer Washbm-n, the latter being at that time chief of the United States Secret 
£ei"vice. I reached that city next morning, called on Mr. Lincoln at his 
office, who, after hearing the stoiy, made an appointment for himself and the other 
gentlemen, to which I was invited. The story was told, and the conditions named. 
To me it was a most humiliating interview. I found myself acting in the capacity 
of a rogue's backer. When the stoiy was related and the questioning that followed, 
my position became most unenviable. Mr. Swett particulaiiy had no patience with, 
or willingness to offer or give rewards to, 'such fiends incarnate.' Mr. Lincoln 
thought justice would overtake the villains, without rewards or favors. Mr. Wash- 
bura could take in the situation better by looking over the ground, see the party, 
and hearing pai'ticulars from first hands. As before, I assured him that I could 
neither give the name of my informant, nor point out places; that I absolutely 
knew neither beyond my informant; that the most I could do, would be to point 
out my informant, and that I would only do under compulsion. My name and 
position was accepted by them as entirely satisfactory, so far as I was concerned. 
They would not for an instant reflect upon me, but why should so unreasonable a 
demand be insisted upon by a good and true citizen, whom I was representing, but 
he claimed himself as innocent of all knowledge of the matter as a new born babe, 
except such information as came to him from the thiixl paity. Bidding all a hope- 
ful good bye, I departed, and in the evening took the 8:30 train on the Ilhnois Cen- 
tral railroad, via Oilman, for home. Not until I stepped from the train at Mt. 
Pulaski, about four o'clock next morning, did I realize that the shadow which had 
been continually near me from the time I left the law office where I held the inter- 
view with the three gentlemen in Chicago, was still following me, and remained in 
sight for a week after. 

"I reported to my informant, but nothing could be done because no rewards 
were offered, without which he could not control the party next to him. If harm 
came to any of the conspirators, I began to realize that both myself and my inform- 
ant were in imminent danger. I would not wilhngly be placed in such a position 
again under any circumstances. I informed Mr. Washburn and the other gentle- 
men by letter, of the situation. Matters came to a focus soon after by the an-est 
of two parties, who were afterwards tried, convicted and sent to the penitentiaiy. 
From the facts developed on the trial, and the conclusion of the same, it is more 
than evident that but one-fourth of the guilty crew were caught, or if those caught 
were not a part of the gang — of eight — here in the Mount, then two different sets 
were at work with the same end in view. From the fact that the guilty fellows 
caught were tracked in their flight, in the direct line of the intended route over 
which the body was to be taken, leads to the conclusion that there was but one 
crew. [The parties tried and convicted never belonged to this gang.— Editor.] 
The plan was to carry the body by relays. The first ones were to be met north of 
Springfield, pass it to the second ones, when the first would retire to their usual 
haunts and thus allay any suspicion that might arise. The second relay would do 
the same on passing it to the third, who were to cany it to the cave. Various cir- 
cumstances pointed to a bluff as the location of the cave. This bluff was among 
,the Salt Creek hills, a wild, weird place, where many murders had been committed. 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 21 

It was within two hours drive, going and coming from Mt. Pulaski. The distance, 
therefore, must have been less than nine, and probably not more than eight miles, 
in a northeast direction. A warning voice advised no betrayal of what was said, 
done or seen, and no adventurous lookout. I strictly obeyed orders. Sooner or 
later that cavern will be discovered, and the location pointed out, unless it is filled 
up or otherwise destroyed. Time will lead one of the eight to unfold the stoiy and 
make known the facts concerning it. My informant, as already said, was a profes- 
sional man of this place, (Mt. Pulaski). His duties led him into the secret by 
accidentally coming upon and into the trail of the gang. Later, one of them, after 
the body stealing effort failed, proposed to turn State's evidence in the manner and 
upon the conditions heretofore mentioned. That my informant was innocent of 
any part or had any knowledge of the matter, is most apparent. None of the cir- 
cumstances could possibly implicate him. Although the effort failed, the rendez- 
vous was not entirely abandoned, and it was on one of these occasions that found 
him face to face with the villain or villains. From where they came I never 
heard, or who they were I never learned. Neither name nor place was ever given 
me. Circumstances alone were given. The place is only guessed at from direc- 
tion and the time requii'ed in making the trips. It was my first experience of the 
kind, and I will never again be found accepting a part that belongs alone to officers 
of the law." 

The foregoing is the substance of what the editor received 
from Mr. B. S. L., after so many years watching and waiting. 
I asked to be put in communication with his informont, who 
had left Illinois. Failing in that, I wrote to the postmaster 
of Mt. Pulaski, and learned that the professional man had 
moved to Kansas. Addressing him there and giving him a 
somewhat lengthy account of the information I already pos- 
sessed, and that I desired a statement from him on the sub- 
ject. After waiting until I began to think he did not desire 
to give me any information, I received a postal card as 
follows : 

WAiiiiA Walla, Washington Ter. Dec. 18, 1886.— J. C. Power, Springfield, lU., 

Sir : Your letter of the 9th instant has been forwarded to me here from W , 

Kansas, and will try and answer you fully in a few days. Will render you any ser- 
vice I can, consistently. You may be in possession of more facts than I can give 
you without permission. Very truly yours, 

M. W. S. 

Five days later I received a letter from him, of which the 
following is the substance: 

WALiiA Walla, Washington Ter., Dec. 23, 1886.— J. C. Power, Springfield, 111., 
Dear Sir: Youi- veiy interesting letter of the 9th instant, directed to me at my 
home in Kansas, reached me a few days ago. I left Kansas Oct. 1st, and am travel- 
ing for the health of my family and self. EefeiTing to the attempted abduction of 
the I'emains of President Lincoln, will say that the material facts have long since 
passed from my memory, because, after the arrest of MuUins and Hughes, I became 
incredulous about a plot having ever existed. But your details of the whole trans- 



22 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN, 

action, revives and cDnfirnis many reports, which now convinces me tliat a plot 

was really consummated in Logan County. "When you say that K y concocted 

the scheme and put it into the hands of the representatives of the Lincoln gang to 
execute, I am persuaded there was some truth in the statement, from the fact that 
I now remember that some of the parties wl o I understood were connected 
with the plot were afterwards sent to the penitentiary for counterfeiting. I am 
still more convinced of a second plot existing from the further fact, after you recite 
the details and incidents of the arrest of Muilins and Hughes, you say that showed 
that after the miscarriage in June, he (K — y) changed his base and formed a new plot. 
You are very correctly advised that all the information I once had came to me 
involuntarily. But it is true I used my every endeavor to bring to light this sup- 
posed plot ; and, as no names have ever passed my lips, I will give you the facts, 
as I remember them, of the manner in wliich I received my information, my en- 
deavor to have the scoundrels arrested and brought to justice, and my not I'eveal- 
ing any names. I think it was on the night after the attempted steal I came up on 
the night train from Springfield to Mt. Pulaski, and at the depot was a prosperous 
business man of Logan county in waiting for me, who said that he had a burden 
on his soul that he wished to unload ; that he felt as if his life was in jeopardy 
every moment and the matter might probably ten-ify me. After he demanded my 
pledge, and I promised never to reveal his name in any manner without his wi'itten 
consent, he then told me that he knew the men who attempted to steal the re- 
mains of Lincoln, and that they lived within ten miles of where we stood ; that 
one of the gang made a statement of the whole matter to him before it took place, 
and, judging from the actions of some of them, he feared that they knew he was in 
possession of the facts, and he felt that if the proper officials could be apprised 
tlu-ough other sources than himself, the arrests would lake the whole gang out of 
the country and he would be relieved. I agreed with my friend to communicate 
the fact to Gov. Beveridge and to Robert Lincoln, and to shield him from haim. 
Strange to say, while we were talking in the dark, one of the gang appeared and 
walked by. I think this was about 10 o'clock P. M., but am not positive. I went 
direct from the depot and found Mr. B. S. L., a government officer, and told him I 
knew who desecrated the tomb of Lincoln, and that I wanted his assistance to get 
the news to the proper officials, and that I wanted him to go to the Governor and 
see what kind of a guarantee could be given me that, under no circumstances, 
would my name or the name of my friend, whom I was bound to protect, for, judg- 
ing from the character of the gang, they would assassinate any one who would 
di\^ulge the plot. The government officer took the 3 o'clock A. M. train for Spring- 
field, and one of the gang went on the same train, and that day stood around the 
Governor's office, watching who went in and out. The Governor referred him to 
Leonard Swett and Eobert Lincoln, of Chicago, whither Mr. B. S. L. went on the 
next train, and I gave liim instructions that, were it impossible for them legally to 
protect our names, to give them certain substantial evidence, upon which any or- 
dinaiy detective could work it up. He returned without accomplishing anything. 
Mr. B. S. L. and myself next went to Springfield, that I might have a personal in- 
terview with the Governor. When I boarded the train at Mt. Pulaski, who should 
appear but the man whose name had been given me as the leader in the plot. His 
actions were so suspicious that Mr. B. S. L. suggested to me that there was some- 
thing wrong and that he believed him to be one of the gang. This, before I had 
told B. S. L. that the man's name had been given me as the leader. This leader 



ATTEMPT to STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 23 

with whom I was veiy sUghtly acquainted, had tlie audacity to come and sit down 
by me, and asked all about my business in going to Springfleld, and what B. S. L. 
was going for, and if I was acquainted with the Governor and Chief of Police, etc., 
etc. After om- arrival in Springfield, this leader was everywhere at our heels. 
I became alarmed and refused to go to the Governor's office with B. S. L., but 
arranged with him to have an interview with the Governor in the parlors of the 
Leland Hotel. "When B. S. L. returned he said the leader was near the Gover- 
nor's office door all the time he was there. 1 had the iuteiTiew with the Govgrnor 
at the hotel, in presence of B. S. L. I told the Governor that I could put the 
authorities on the track of the would-be robbers, provided our names could be kept in 
the back ground, as otherwise to remain at our homes would be almost certain 
death. The Governor could not make any promises, but thought the friends in 
Chicago could do something. After this interview, the first person I met on the 
steps of the hotel was this same vicious looking "leader," who wanted to know 
what B. S. L. was doing about the Governor's office, and if I did not come down on 
purpose to see the Governor myself. I evaded his questions but was terribly 
wraught up with fear of personal danger, and hastened B. S. L. off to Chicago to 
see Swett and Lincoln again. I wanted this gang out of the countiy very much. 
'In due time B. S. L. returned from Chicago without gaining much satisfaction. The 
time weighed heavily on my mind until I saw in the papers that Mulhns and 
Hughes were arrested in Chicago. Then I went to see my friend who had come 
to me to unburden his soul, and who I then believed had betrayed me, and put me 
in the light of a fool before the Governor and Messrs. Lincoln & Swett. I went 
to him for an explanation. He could not account for the arrest of the Chicago 
thieves. It was utterly beyond his comprehension. But he emphatically 
reiterated his previous statement, that they were aU true, and although he could 
not explain the Chicago aiTests, he said he knew that a plot did originate with the 
parties that he had told me of, and that all plans were previously matured for that 
night. He knew it beforehand, and looked for it in the morning dispatches. I 
have had several talks with my friend on this subject since, and he has always 
told me that the plot did exist and that he was in no manner deceived or mistaken. 
But I became incredulous and concluded that he must have been the innocent vic- 
tim of some confidence game, and that there was uotliing in it. Slill I call to mind 
that subsequent to the Chicago aiTests a good number of this gang were arrested, 
convicted and sent to the penitentiary at Joliet for counterfei;ing, and I indistinctly 
recollect that they were in some way connected with the St. Louis tliieves and 
counterfeiters. I do not now remember all the details of their movements, but 
will give it to the best of my recollection. A gentleman by the name of Daniel 
Clark owned a piece of land six miles northeast from Mt. Pulaski, two miles west 
of Chestnut and one mile west of old Yankee town, and was near the old Isaac 
De Haven grist mill. It was along the bottom lands of Salt Creek and was fairly 
timbered. About two or tlu'ee hundred yards from the bridge to the right as you 
go north, was a large patch of paw paw bushes, and in that undergrowth lay a large 
hallow log. Within this log was where the remains of Abi'aham Lincoln were to 
have been deposited. The wagon with the casket was to have been driven rapidly 
from Springfield and put in there before day light. The land was known as Uncle 
Dan Clark's pasture. The strangest thing about this is that when a sufficient 
ransom should be offered by the government, as they supposed would be, one of 
the most respectable and honored citizens of Logan County was expected to go 



24 ATTEMPT TO 8TEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

gunning for squirrels, and aceidently i-un across the remains, get the booty and 
divide with the gang. His high character was expected to disarm suspicion. Tliis 
respected man I had long laiown, and up to this time I am not aware of his name 
having been connected with anything disreputable, but he is badly connected by 
maniage. 

As near as I can remember, there were six or seven men and one or two women 
connected with the affair, but I would prefer not to g'.ve any names on paper, for it 
would cause a sensation that would surprise the citizens of Logan county. What 
also gave color to the statement of my friend was, that shortly after the explosion 
of the plot by the more rapid movements of others, his place of business was 
destroyed by an incendiary Are supposed to have been the Avork of the gang. I 
have no documentary proof or anything that I would consent to have published, 
for it was all second hand to me, and I only acted as any patriotic citizen should 
have done. It not only placed me in danger of being foully dealt with, but I was 
put to a great deal of trouble and expense. When I can learn the address of my 
friend I will ascertain his views on the subject, and if he will permit me to give 
you his name and address, I will communicate with you later. 

Very respectfully, 

M. S. W. • 

As soon as I applied to M. S. W., for information, lie took 
measures to ascertain the address of his friend who had dis- 
covered the conspiracy in Logan county to steal the remains 
of Lincoln, and had communicated the facts to M. S. W., 
under a solemn pledge, which the latter regarded as almost 
equal to an oath, never to reveal his name except with his 
consent in writing, and who, like himself, had left Illinois. The 
following note does not require explanation: 

WAiilitTLA, Washington Territory, -Jan. 25, 1887. 
Mr. J. C. Forcer: 

Dear Sib: — To-day I received my friend's address, and wiU forward to-night all 
your letters (that I have received) to him, to answer me at once whether I can or 
cannot have written consent to forward you his name and address. I have advised 
that he do so, and I earnestly hope that he will. I will write you when I hear fx'om 
him. Very respectfully, 

M. S. W. 

It is proper for me to repeat that all the initials I use as 
to names are fictitious, but the incidents are real, and the 
three men whom I give as authority, B. S. L., M. S. W., and 
G. R. K., are all of the highest respectability. Here is another 
letter : 

WAiiiiXiTiA, W. T., Feb. 16, 1887. ' 
Mr: J. C. Power: 

My Dear Sib: — The enclosed letter will explam itself. G. R. K., once a pros- 
perous merchant at C • — , Illinois, but more recently a granger near G , 

Kansas, is the gentUnuan who gave me all the information I ever had concerning 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINX'OLN, 25 

the attempted robbery of the remains of Abraham Lineohi. Please I'etaiii his 
letter as this is the authority I have for revealing his name. In writing him please 
state that I have foi"w'arded you his letter to me. I believe now this will put you 
in possession of CA'ery fact. It may be unnecessary for yoii to write him so 
elaborately as you did me, from the fact that I forwarded him all your correspond- 
ence with me, and tliis is his answer, received to-day. Please acknowledge the 
receipt of the same. 

Veiy respectfully, 

M. S. W. 

The following is an extract from a letter written by the 
gentleman who discovered the Logan connty plot, or plots, 
to steal Lincoln's remains. It was written in February, 1887; 

G , K couiitv, Kansas. 

M. S. V,\ 

"OtjD Friend. — Yours of recent date received and contents noted. Would say 
in reply that all the information I have on the subject was obtained in a legitimate 
way, and while I would not wish my name used in the contemplated history, I 
would not object to telling what I know of the matter in a confidential way. * * 
* * You may refer Mr. Power to me as one whom you think able to throw some 
light on the subject." 

G. K. K. 

I next wrote direct to the ^vriter of the above, and received 
the following reply: 

G , E county, Kansas, Aprils, 1887. 

J. C. Power, Springfield, III: 
Deae Sir. — Yours, with reference to the plot to steal the remains of President 

Lincoln, is received. The information obtained by me was from B S , 

while under the influence of intoxicating liquor. At the time I did not attach much 
impoi'tance to his statements, but thought it was only the vaporings of a diimken 
man. After the attempt was actually made, I, in conversation, told M. S. W. that 
I could find the guilt^^ parties. He at once put himself in communication with the 
authorities, but the arrest of the criminals followed so quickly after the attempt 
that I came to the belief that B S and his gang had organized for the pur- 
pose stated, but had been forestalled by the Chicago band. The plan as detailed 
to me was, that a party of five or six was to go to Springfield with a strong spring 
wagon, just a day's drive from our place, thirty miles, stay in the city until after 
dark, then drive to the cemeteiy, make an entrance into the grounds at the nearest 
point to the Monument, drive to the foot of the hill on which it stands, leaving one 
of their number to watch the team. The others would go to the Monument, break 
it open, get the casket containing the body, cany it to the wagon and di ive away, 
he saying that it would be impossible to track them very far on the sandy roads, 
across the Sangamon river bottoms, on which the line of flight was planned. He 
further stated that they would be a long distance fi'om Springfield before morning, 
and would have the body deposited in a secure hiding place, where they would 
defy any one to find it. There it was to remain until the reward, which theybe- 
lieved would be offered, should be large enough to satisfy the gang. Then it was 
to be discovered by a rei^utable farmer, by the name of M , who was re- 
lated to B S by marriage. 

2 



26 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

The wagon proposed to be used on the trip belonged to M C . He is a 

good man, respected by all who know him ; was a strong Lincoln man ; sei'ved 
three years in the Thir;y-second Illinois Infantry. I do not think the project was 
ever mentioned to him. He would not have consented to be concerned in any such 

undertaking. I feel sure that B S did not tell me where the body was to 

be concealed, but intimated that the place was not far away. I have since found 

tlie place, I am confident. B S Uved about two miles west of C , and 

three-fourths of a mile west of old Yankeetown, in a small frame house, one-quar- 
ter of a mile south of the wagon road leading from C to Mt. Pulaski. The 

place of concealment was under this house. B S — '— had dug a pit, or cellar, 

three and a half feet wide, seven or eight feet long, and two and a half to three 
feet deep. The pit was dug secretly, no one having any knowledge of the time or 
manner, nor noticed any fresh earth about the place. It is thought that it was dug 
at night and the eaith taken and dropped into a small stream of running water that 
flowed near the house. There was a long door constructed in the floor of the house 

over the pit, not having any hinges or ring by which to open it, and while B 

S occupied the house, tliis door was always covered by a long strip of carpet, 

the other parts of the floor being bare. There was no necessity for digging a cel- 
lar under the house, as there was a good one outside, and there being no con- 
veniences for opening and closing the door showed that it was not intended for daily 

use. B S also told one G D , who, I am confident, belonged to the 

Logan county counterfeiting gang, of the plot to steal Mr. Lincoln's body, and he 
(G D ) told it to W H D , a merchant of C , who communi- 
cated the same to Fox & House, hardware merchants of Springfield, they agreeing 
to put the proper ones on their guard. Now, as to the dates, I am all at sea. I 
know it was in the fall of 1876, and only a short time before the attempt was made, 

that B - S and I had the talk. I am of the opinion that there were two or 

three plots ; I think, three. The one with which B S was connected was 

composed of Logan county crooks, some of the men whose names you sent me 
bemg in frequent consultation with him, also some whose names you do not men- 
tion, namely, G D , ah-eady spoken of, J H P- and M S , 

cousins of B S . This is all I remember now. If there is anything fm'ther 

you wish to know, or any questions you wish to ask as to anything I have written, 
ask, and I will answer as best I can. The long time elapsed since the events has 
caused my memory to lose many of the details, of which I was cognizant at the 
time. Thanks for the list of names of the counterfeiters. I was acquainted with 
many of them. EespectfuUy, G. E. K. 

The main point I expected to, and have gained tlirough 
the revelations of these three men, was to satisfy myself whether 
the scheme or schemes they reveal, did or did not originate 
with the five men, who, as a delegation from the sixteen 
counterfeiters at and around Lincoln in Logan county, did the 
plotting and made the failure in Springfield in June, 1876. The 
names given me in these revelations are the same as those belong- 
ing to that band, indicating that when the five left Spring- 
field they immediately commenced plottings of their own, but 
were delayed by the. same causes that led to defeat here, — 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL, THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 27 

lack of intelligence and too great fondness for intoxicating 
drinks. That is a sutficient reason why all their schemes 
ended in utter failure. 



DIVISION THIRD. 



Thieves, Counterfeiters and Counterfeit Engravers — Operatives of the United 
States Secret Service — Chicago— Talents and Character of Ben. Boyd. 

In September, 1874, a man known to detectives and other 
officers of the law, as Jack Hughes, of a dozen years' experi- 
ence in that line, passed five counterfeit bills of five dollars 
each, government money, at Washington Heights, near Chi- 
cago. In Januarj^, 1875, the grand jury of the United States 
Court in Chicago, found an indictment against him for the 
offense, and for more than a year and a half, he eluded the 
officers. Officers of the United States Secret Service and com- 
missioned detectives, often find it necessary to use a class of 
men in ferreting out offenders against the law, who have not 
always been straight themselves. These men are technically 
called ropers. One of this class, Lewis C. Swegles, on the 
28th of August, 1876, gave information of the whereabouts 
of Hughes to P. D. Tyrrell, chief operative of the United 
States Secret Service, for the district composed of the States 
of AVisconsin, IMissouri and Illinois, with headquarters at 
Chicago. Two days later, Tyrrell arrested Hughes in a drink- 
ing saloon called the "Hub," at 294 Madison street, Chicago. 
The fact that Swegles gave the information was kept secret. 
By the aid of friends, Hughes deposited two thousand dollars 
in the First National Bank at Chicago, as security for his 
appearance for trial in the following January, and he was 
released from custody, September 13, 1876. 

Hughes having been arrested for passing counterfeit money 
and released on bail, it became an easy matter for Swegles 
to converse on that subject with him, and Terrence JNIullen, 
the keeper of the saloon where Hughes was arrested. Swegles, 
hoping to learn something more of their operations, in- 



28 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

gratiated himself with them by gradiiallj^ intimating that he 
was or had been in some kind of crooked business himself, 
such as horse stealing, and even intimated that he had been 
in the penitentiary of a western State for that crime, but 
thought he would like passing counterfeit money better. In 
something like this way he gained their confidence so thorough- 
ly that they openly revealed to him the fact that they were 
in that business, but were then preparing for something much 
better, which was to steal the remains of President Lincoln, 
and secrete and hold them for a great ransom. They then 
proposed to let Swegles share in the profits, provided he 
Avould assist them. 

Swegles approached Tyrrell again Oct. 25, 187G, and said 
that there was something brewing in which a wrong was con- 
templated, and although it Avas not a counterfeiting opera- 
tion, was of National importance, and that he — Tyrrell — as 
a government officer, ought to take notice of it, and that he 
had been legally a,d vised to give him all the facts, which he 
then proceeded to do. 

Chief Operative Tyrrell under the same date, Oct. 25, 1876, 
as part of his report for the day to James Brooks, chief of 
the whole United States Secret Service, at Washington, gave 
the main points of what he had received from Swegles. The 
substance of it was, that a band of counterfeiters, anxious 
for the release of Ben. Boyd, one of the most expert counter- 
feit engi'avers, who was then serving a ten years' sentence in 
the penitentiary at Joliet, were preparing to remove the re- 
mains of President Lincoln from the Monument, at Spring- 
field. They expected, after the remains were safely hid away,, 
to give the secret of their hiding place to Boyd, and let him 
negotiate with the Governor of the State for his own release, 
and as much more as he could obtain. 

To show the importance to shovers of counterfeit money 
that Ben. Boyd should have his liberty, it is neceseary to 
make a statement of some length. On the 5th day of Febru- 
ary, 1875, Elmer Washburn, who was then Chief of the United 
States Secret Service, at Washington, in a communication to 
P. D. Tyrrell, chief operative of the district in which Chicago is 
included, stated thatBen. Boyd and Nelson Driggs were the most 
expert and important counterfeit engravers then at liberty in 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 29 

our whole eoiiutry, and that if he, Tyrrell, could get them 
^'dead to rights," that is, with evidence to convict, he would 
break the back bone of counterfeiting in the United States. 
Tyrrell then commenced a series of operations by W'hich he 
traced them in Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Minnesota and 
Illinois, calling to his aid from time to time such assistance as 
he found necessary. He was not long in learning that Boyd 
was at work at Fulton, Whiteside county, Illinois, and Driggs 
was at work in Centralia, Marion county, in the same State. 
To arrest one would give warning to the other, if left un- 
molested*. To make sure of both, Tyrrell arranged with 
Washburn to move on Driggs, on the same day and hour 
that he went for Boj'd. 

They were both arrested at nine o'clock in the forenoon of 
Oct. 21, 1875, and both tried and sentenced to the peniten- 
tiary. When Boyd was arrested he was in the act of engrav- 
ing a plate for a $20.00 bill on the First National bank of 
Dayton, Ohio. 

In order to give the reader a proper understanding of the 
desperate straits coney men were thrown into, by the arrest, 
conviction and long sentence to imprisonment of Boyd, of 
the workings of counterfeiters generally, and of the diaboli- 
cal' means they were more than willing to adopt, with the 
hope of securing his release, I here quote from a lengthy 
article in Dye's Govei-nment Counterfeiter Detector, of April, 
1888, published in Philadelphia, although it involves some 
little repetition: 

"Benjamin Boyd, alias B. Wilson, alias B. P. Wilson, alias Cliarles Mitchell, 
was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1834, where his mother and sister resided in 1875, 
and were counted quite wealthy. His father was an engraver, and Ben. leanaed 
the art at an early age, serving one year with an engraver named James Edward 
Smith then and now a citizen of good repute in Cincinnati, also improving, as sup posed, 
by observing his parent's skill, and finishing by taking instructions of Nat Kinsey, 
a cutter of superior ability in Cincinnati. Kinsey cut the fine one hundred doUar 
"greenback" counterfeit plate in 1864, biUs from which for a time defied detection 
by the most experienced tellers and best experts. Kinsey was arrested at last, 
while engaged in engraving a plate for printing counterfeits of ten dollar bills, and 
served a long time ; since which, so far as known, he has given the pubUc no 
trouble. While still an apprentice, and not twenty-one years of age, Ben. Boyd 
engraved his first counterfeit plate on the State Bank of Ohio, in his father's house 
at Cincinnati, before the war of the relsellion. * ***** 

In 1865, Ben. Boyd was arrested with Pete McCartney, at Mattoon, Illinois, and 
both of them committed to jail at Springfield, Illinois. About the same time Ed. 



30 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

Pierce and AUie Ackman, or Ackerman, two of McCartney's dealers, the woman 
being liis wife's sister, were an'ested at tlie Everett House, (now Brunswick Hotel,) 
in Springfield, Illinois, by Operative John Eagan. In a traveling basket taken with 
the couple. Operative Eagan found twentj'-five thousand dollars of representative 
money, in fifty dollar, twenty doUai" and ten dollar counterfeits of United States 
Treasuiy Notes, and five thousand dollars of representative money, comiterf eits of the 
fractional currency. Pierce was convicted and sent to Jefferson (ville) penitentiary 
for fifteen years, while Operative Eagan turned the woman over to Operative P. 0. 
Bradley, of Chicago, Ilhnois. Ben. Boyd managed to release himself from arrest, and 
finally secured the freedom of AUie Ackman, or Ackerman, by surrendering a plate, 
the property of McCartney, for printing counterfeits of the fifty dollar United States 
Treasury Notes, series of 1863. Ben. Boyd had for some time been veiy attentive 
to Miss Ackman, or Ackerman, and soon after their release they were married at 
Marine City, St. Clair county, Michigan, Boyd being then thirty-three years of age, 
Almiranda Ackman or "Ackerman," as the family has been called, was the daughter 
of an accomplished pair of counterfeiters, and the step-daughter of John B. Trout, 
a well kno-mi and desperate coney man, once the terror of the whole Mississippi 
Valley, now in the Kentucky penitentiary, sening out his second long term of im- 
prisonment for counterfeiting. By this marriage, Boyd became the brother-in-law 
of Peter McCartney Of Boyd, McCartney acquired additional skill in engraving, 
and the two did a heavy business in coimterfeit money, as partners. Boyd and 
his wife resided at Decatur, Illinois, where he was known as Charles Mitchell; at 
Des Moines, Iowa, where he passed as B. F. "Wilson, and at Le Claire, Iowa, Clin- 
ton, Ilhnois, and Fulton, Illinois, where Boyd called himself B. Wilson. He finally 
purchased some property at Prairie du Chien, "Wisconsin, where he and his wife 
made their home, and still retain possession of the place. Boyd has no children. 

Boyd engraved plates for printing counterfeits of the fifty dollar United States 
Treasury Notes, series of 1863, for the Sleight and Fi'isby, or "Frisbie" gang of 
counterfeiters, but not having delivered them, they were sold to Peter McCartney, 
who, during February, 1865, surrendered them, to effect the release from custody of 
E. B. Pierce and Miss Almiranda Ackman or "Ackennan," the woman Boyd after- 
wai'ds married, as has already been related. In 1866 Boyd engraved the plates for 
counterfeits of the twenty dollar United States Treasury notes, series of 1862, 
which plates were owned jointly by Ben. Boyd, Peter McCartney and John B. 
Trout, and captured by the Secret Service Operatives during 1866. In 1869 Boyd 
engraved plates for counterfeits of the United States Treasuiy Notes, series of 
1862, which were worked jointly by Joseph Kincaid, alias Joe Miller, James Bur- 
dell, ahas Charles Hanwood, and Ben. Boyd himself. These plates were captured 
by the Secret Service Operatives, at Greensburg, Indiana, during Februaiy, 1869. 
Boyd also engraved the celebrated plates for printing counterfeits of the five dol- 
lar bills on the "Traders National Bank" of Chicago, Illinois, (one of the finest 
counterfeits ever issued,) aftei-wards changed to the "First National Bank of Can- 
ton, Illinois," "First National bank of Aurora, Illinois," "First National Bank of 
Peini, Ilhnois," "First National Bank of Paxton, Illinois," and two false notes, pur- 
porting to be on "The First National Bank of Cecil, Illinois," and the "First Na- 
tional Bank of Galena, Illinois," there being no such banks of Cecil or Galena. 
All these plates were captured by the Secret Service Operatives, in the possession 
of Nelson Driggs, a partner of Boyd, at Centralia, Illinois, October 21st, 1875. 

In 1859 Boyd was arrested at Davenport, Iowa, being engaged at the time in en- 
graving plates for printing counterfeit money, for Jim "Veasey and Charhe Hatha- 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN, 31 

way, who were in Springfield, Illinois, although the Hathaway family lived at Fort 
Madison, Iowa, Boyd being convicted, was sentenced to two years imprisonment, 
in the Iowa penitentiary^, at Fort Madison, of the same State. After his release 
from the Iowa penitentiary, Boyd removed to Spiingfield, Ohio, and operated there 
for Sleight and Frisbie. He soon after went to Decatvu', Illinois, where he had his 
residence at the time of his marriage in 1865, as noted in preceding paragraphs. 
From this time on, for a number of years, the place in the criminal calendar to 
which the deeds of Boyd entitled him, remained vacant ; he was sagacious, waiy 
and foi'tunate in his selection of partners ; beside his skill made him serviceable to 
the entire fraternity of coneymen, all of whom were interested in Ms seclusion and 
safety. The counterfeits from the plates made by Boyd were in extensive circula- 
tion for yeai's, the Illinois fives were especially current. It was Boyd, also, who 
manufactured the fifty cent Lincoln vignette counterfeit plate, and he is considered 
the best lettei'er on steel in the country or the world. The source of these bills 
was a subject of diligent inqutiy by Government officials, and a kind of dissolving 
\'iew was obtained of the same, in Canada, St. Louis, and elsewhere, now here, and 
now there. After a time, the talents and activitj^ of Boyd, as well as the ability 
and wealth of his partners, became known to the Treasuiy Department and the 
Seci'et Semce Division came to recognize the imperative necessity of breaking up 
the combination of which the skill of Ben Boyd was the heait and soul. On 
October 5th, 1875, the work was committed, especially, to Operative Patrick D. 
Tyrrell of St. Louis, Missouri, who was left very much to his own discretion in the 
matter, being told by Elmer Washburn, then Chief of the Secret Service, that his 
succese would break the backbone of counterfeiting in the United States. 

Thus directed and stimulated, Tyrrell began business in a way he considered 
prudent, and in June, 1875, had located the parties a7id secured an interview with 
Driggs. The course of events with Driggs, will appear in the succeeding sketch 
of him ; but at present the relation follows the fate of Ben. Boyd, who was also 
brought under watch at the same time. About the 20th of June, 1875, Ben. Boyd 
moved his wife and furniture, from his residence at Le Claire, Iowa, to Fulton, Illi- 
nois, at which last place, under the name of B. F. Wilson, he rented a large frame 
house situated on Prairie street. Soon after this removal to Fulton, it was evident 
Boyd had commenced work, and arrangements were at once made by TyiTell for a 
conference with his chief. Accordingly Elmer Washburn, Chief, and James J. 
Brooks, Assistant Chief, with Jolm McDonald, Operative, all of the Secret Sei-vice 
Division of the United States Treasury Department, arrived at Lyons, Iowa, Octo- 
ber 19th, 1875, when a consultation took place between them and Operative Patrick 
D. Tyrrell, who met them there by appointment. 

The plan developed was to capture Ben. Bojd and Nelson 
Drigg'S, his partner, at the same time, and in order to give 
Chief Washburn time to reach Centralia, Illinois, where Driffo-s 
and much material was located, it was decided to defer the 
raid until October 21st, at nine o'clock in the mornino-. 
Chief Washburn then started for Centralia to superintend active 
operations there, leaving his reliable Assistant Chief, Brooks, 
(now— 1883— himself chief), and Operative McDonald, at Ful-- 
ton with Tyrrell, to co-operate in the arrest of Boyd. 



32 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

"Promptly at nine in the morning, of the twentj'-first, the men were on hand at 
Fulton, each ready for the especial duty assigned by their joint arrangement. It 
had been decided that Tyrrell should lead off, by entering the front gate and going 
round to the back door. Brooks was to follow Tyrrell, at a distance of about 
twenty feet, while McDonald coming about one hundred feet in the rear, was to 
direct his course to the front door. This would bring each of the men into the 
position required and ready for action at the same moment. All this was cai'ried 
out with militaiy promj^tness and precision, as might be expected from the char- 
acter of the men engaged. When Tyrrell, who knew the premises, was about a 
hundred feet from the front door, a man drove up in a caniage and in a loud tone 
asked if B. F. "Wilson lived there. That was imagined by Tyrrell to be a signal, 
in some way contrived to alarm the inmates of the house and likely, at least, to 
arouse them to notice the surprise partj' intended in their honor. Calling to 
Brooks to huny up and keep his distance, TyiToll walked swiftly by the house and 
entered it by the back door. While making his approach in this manner to the 
premises, TyiTell saw a man escape from the house, who he supposed from the 
general appearance was Nat Kinsey, the engraver already mentioned, of whom 
Boyd acquired the better part of his skill as a cutter. There was nothing against 
Kinsey at the time, at least nothing regarding which the Operative had instructions, 
so that the fugative was allowed to pass michallenged, lest any delay on his ac- 
count should defeat in some way the grand object of the expedition. 

"Passing through the kitchen into the dining room, the Operative met Mrs. Boyd, 
who intercepted him, and although she had never seen him, nor had any reason to 
suppose him a Government officer, or anything of that kind, still she caught him 
by the collar of his coat and undertook to detain him. Seizing her sharply by the 
wrist, Tyrrell at once freed himself and called upon Brooks to take charge of the 
woman, which the Assistant Chief, then as now, quick at the call of duty, did with 
the utmost promptness. Tyrrell being relieved of Mrs. Boyd, turned quickly to- 
ward the adjacent stairs when he discovered Ben. Boyd at the top of them in his 
shirt sleeves and just about to step down. Boyd paused an instant as he was con- 
fronted by Tyrrell, when the Operative ascended the stairs quickly, and at once 
an-ested him. 'Who are you?' said the prisoner, with considerable emotion? 
'United States Detective Tyrrell,' ansv^ered the Operative. 'I have heard of 
you, Tj'iTell,' I'emarked Boyd, very quietly. Tyrrell then put the irons on the 
prisoner without objection or opposition, and stepping to the front window began 
rapping upon it as a signal for ]\Ic Donald to come round by the rear and relieve 
Brooks. The signal being obeyed. Brooks went up stairs and took charge of Ben. 
Boyd, while Tyrrell commenced a thorough search of the premises, of which 
Brooks and Boyd were witnesses above stairs and McDonald and Mi-s. Boyd on 
the first floor. In the room up stairs from which Boyd doubtless came, just before 
Tyrell saw him, the Operative found everj' evidence of the occupation of the coun- 
terfeiter, and there, witliout question, Boyd was at work, when the agents of the 
law invaded his habitation. Tlie room contained a convenient work bench, 
covered by a large quantit^^ of engraver's tools, among which lay a genuine bill 
upon the First National bank of Dayton, Oliio, of the denomination of twenty dol- 
lai-s, and near by a partly engraved plate for counterfeits of the same. In the 
front room up stairs Tyrrell found a diy goods box of large size, which he emptied, 
and found nothing but a lot of old clothes and rags. In tipping the box about, 
however, one of the boai'ds of which it was made droped out and revealed a mor- 
tise in the lumber, from wliich fell a plate, engraved for printing the centre back 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 33 

of counterfeits of twmity dollar National Bank notes, of whic-ii the border or rim to 
match, was the unfinished plate on Boyd's work bench. 

" Leaving Brooks in charge of Boyd up-stairs, Tyrr(>ll went down and com- 
menced investigations on the first floor. He asked Mrs. Boyd if there was any 
money in the house. She was unwilling to give information on that point, but, 
when pressed, with an intimation that it would save trouble if she answei'(Ml the 
question, she said she would reveal nothing without consultation with her husband. 
The operative told her he would give her half an hour to consider the matter, left 
the house, and, going to the railroad depot, telegraphed in cipher to Chief Washburn 
what had been accomplished at Fulton. While Tyn-ell was on this en-and, Mrs. Boyd 
took occasion to offer McDonald a thousand dollars, if he would let her take what 
she wanted into her possession and keep the matter secret. This McDonald, like 
an honest man and good officer, refused. When TyiTell came back, McDonald told 
of the hberal offer that had been made him. Mrs. Boyd wanted to go and get the 
money alone, or in company with McDonald, but this Tyrrell would not permit. 
After a great deal of hesitation, she led the way to the bed-room and went to a bos 
near the window. The box was of considerable size and had a cleat nailed across 
the end of it, contrived to serve the purpose of a handle. There was nothing about 
the box, outside or in, to indicate that it contained money, but upon investigation, 
by breaking the box, the handle or cleat described was discovered to be hollow, and 
in the cavity of the same was found seven thousand eight hundred and twenty- 
four dollars and seventy-five cents in good money, made up of three one thousand 
dollar notes, with other small bills and a few pieces of twenty-five cent fraetiona 
currency. In breaking the box, the money came out. 

" While Tyn-ell was at work upon the box which proved so rich a ti'easury, the 
Operative shrewdly noticed that Mrs. Boyd very adroitly endeavored to divert his 
attention from a smaller box near by, which she cunnningly tried to conceal, when 
she supposed he was fully occupied with the larger one. Mrs. Boyd, as if quite by 
accident, carelessly threw a piece of carpet over the small box, as if it were of no 
consequence. But the movement did not escape the notice of the quick-witted 
Tyrrell, and after he had secured the money and counted the amount, he turned his 
attention to the smaller box, which Mrs. Boyd seemed so anxious to conceal. He 
broke it up into small pieces, and did not expect from the general appearance that 
either the box or its ruins contained anything. In this, however, he was mistaken, 
for, upon closer inspection, one of the boards was found to be mortised, and in the 
pavity thus made were two well executed plates, the front and back of a set for 
printing counterfeits of the one hundred dollar 'greenback' United .States Treasury 
notes. These plates were stuck together, face to face, with putty, and covered 
with some kind of water-proof composition to keep them from rusting. But for 
the acumen and thoroughness or Operative Tyrrell, these plates would have re- 
mained undiscoved. Tyrrell also found six copper and four steel plates in blank, 
of which two were large plates intended for counterfeiting United States bonds, 
two for duplicate title lines, and the rest counterfeiting the 'Dexter Head' and 
' Stanton Head ' fractional currency. The last lot were discovered wrapped up in 
an old linen summer coat, between the beds where Boyd ; nd his wife were in the 
habit of sleeping. A number of small blanks for engravers' tools were found, and 
a small box of such tools in a finished condition fit for work. The search was made 
very thorough and involved considerable labor. As Brooks and McDonald were 
detained with the prisoners, Tyrrell had to work unaided, and the business gave 
him active employment for about six hours. 



34 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

"During all this tinio Assistant Chief Brooks, had been closeted above stairs, with 
the man whose hand guideJ tlie facile burin which had created the works of crimi- 
nal art Tyrrell had taken possession of. The successful search for the plates was 
a task demanding no little shrewdness and patience ; but an attempt to fathom the 
mind of a criminal like Ben. Boyd, was, under the cii'cumstances, an enterpiise de- 
manding consummate tact and discretion. These qualities were not wanting in the 
custodian of Ben. Boyd, and the counterfeiter was induced to be communicative. 
Boyd made certain clear and unequivocal statements, to the effect that he had 
engraved the plates found, and that at various times he had engraved some fifteen 
other plates, for other paities. He also stated it took him eleven months to engrave 
the plate of the Traders Bank of Chicago, Illinois. He admitted, too, that he had 
engraved plates for printing counterfeits of the fifty dollar United States Treasury 
Note, Series of 1863, from which he printed and solcL-about six thousand pieces, 
representing some three hundred thousand dollars. ' Thus, what had long been a 
great mastery of felony, was cleai'ed up, the evidence made complete in the case of 
Ben. Boyd, and information gained which became of great use in still other opera- 
tions again-5t similar offenders, at other times and elsewhere. What Chief Wash- 
bum and his men had been about, at the other end of the line, in CentraUa, Illinois, 
during these hours, is stated in the annexed account of Nfilson Driggs. 

It is not 1x13^ intention to go into a detailed statement of 
the captnre of Driggs, and its effect on the counterfeiting busi- 
ness, for it was Boyd that the coneymen hoped to release for 
their own advantage by stealing the body of Lincoln. But 
it is proper to say that Driggs was tried, found guilty and 
sentenced to the penitentiary for fifteen years, and a fine of 
f 5,000, and was sixty-three years old. At the same time he 
had $43,000 in good money, and 28,000 acres of land in 
Texas. 

"The three officers, Brooks, Tyrrell and McDonald, conducted their prisoners, 
Ben. Boyd and Almiranda Boyd, to the Fulton Kailroad station, taking with them 
the varied materials and mass of evidence they had captured. They all left 
Fulton on the four o'clock afternoon train for Chicago, Illinois. As they were 
seated in the train. Brooks and Tyrrell being with the prisoners, Boyd began a 
conversation with Tyrrell, by remarking : 'Tyixell you are not long in the Secret 
Service are you? ' Tyrrell replied : 'No, not long ; why? Anything the matter? ' 
Boyd assumed a very cunning style and responded : 'Oh! I thought if you were 
an old member of the Service you would take the property now in your possession 
and let me skip out the back door.' 'But that is not my way of doing business,' 
said Tyrrell, whereupon Boyd became reflective, regarding the modern and original 
ideas of such men as Brooks, Tyrrell and McDonald, and his misfortune in being 
compelled to keep honest company. 

"finding his attempts at bribery and corruption unavailing, Boyd began negoti- 
ations of a different nature for his own benefit. Unaware of the comprehensive 
character of the movement which in^-olved in the toils Nelson Driggs, as well as 
himself, he -s'olunteered some statements in regard to his relations with that 
famous capitalist and manager among coney men, and suggested that the testi- 
mony of a partner and an engraver would be heavy against a principal counter- 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN, 35 

feiter, should such an one be arrested and brought to trial. To all of Boyd's talk in 
this direction, Tyrrell made answer that he had no power to promise anything, but if 
a prisoner said anything which might result in the conviction of another party, it 
might have some effect in favor of such a witness with the authorities. Boyd tlien 
made some furtlier explanations, which were never allowed to criminate him; but 
what he subsequently did, upon the understanding arrived at as above, will ap- 
pear in a succeeding paragraph of this narration, and also in the account of Nel- 
son Driggs, to follow. Without any other incident of note, the party arrived in 
Cliicago, and the prisoners were detained to be examined. The good money 
Tyrrell captured was, at Boyd's request, deposited in the Fidelity Bank, and in 
due time turned over to the charge of his legal attorney and counselor. 

"An examination was held Oct. 27, 1875, before United States Commissioner 
Philip A. Hoj'ne, of Chicago, Illinois, and Ben. Boyd bound over in the sum of 
thirty thousand dollars, to await the action of the Grand Juiy. Almiranda Boyd, 
his wife, w^as bound over in the sum of fifteen thousand dollars, to await the action 
of the Grand Jury, also. In default of bail, both defendants were committed to 
the Cook county jail, in Chicago, Illinois. While they were confined there, an at- 
tempt was made to break jail. A counterfeiter named Edward J. Wright, aUas 
Lee, ahas Dommitell, of Richmond, Indiana, was engaged in the affair, and a pat- 
tern for some keys found upon another prisoner was said to have been made by 
the especial skill of Ben. Boyd. 

"At the October, 1875, term of the United Stales Court, for the Northern District 
of IlUnois, held at Chicago, in that State, Ben. Boyd was indicted for engraving 
twenty dollar plates, for counterfeiting National Bank notes; also for engraving 
plates for counterfeiting the fifty dollar United States Legal Tender notes, series 
of 1869, 'Henry Clay head;' also for engraving plates for counterfeiting the five 
dollar bills of the Traders National Bank of Chicago, Illinois; also for engraving 
plates for counterfeiting the fractional currency of the United States, of the de- 
nomination of fifty cents, the 'Stanton head' and 'Dexter head' series, and an im- 
finished plate for counterfeiting the hundred dollar United States Treasury Notes. 
A true bill was also found against Almiranda Boyd, and the defendants were held 
foi- trial. 

" The trial of Ben. Boj'd and Almiranda Boyd occupied the attention of the 
United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, held in Chicago, 
Januaiy 19 and 20, 1876. The court-room presented an animated appearance when 
it was understood the case of the distinguished counterfeiters was about to be 
called. The court opened at ten o'clock in the morning. After the ti'ansaction of 
some business of minor importance, the case of Benjamin Boyd and Almiranda 
Boyd was called. 

" Messrs. Bangs and Burke appeared to prosecute, and Messrs. Stiles and Tully 
represented the ^defendants. Considerable time was spent in examining jurors. 
By a quarter past eleven, twelve men, 'sufficiently good and true' to pass upon the 
merits of the case, were obtained, and the prosecution began its attack. Mr. 
Bangs addressed the jury for the government, giving, as that which be was pre- 
pared to prove, a candid and [careful general state Qient of the facts compiled in 
this account of Ben. Boyd and his doings, and claimed that Almiranda Boyd was, 
in aU that, an accomplice, who had not as yet established her pretended character 
as the wife of the prisoner. 

General Stiles followed with a long speech for the defense, in the course of 
which he said they would pr'ove that Almiranda Boyd was the prisoner's wife, and 



36 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE CODY OF LINCOLN. 

could not be punished for protecting her husband, and anythmg which might go to 
connect lier witli Jier husband in crime, was simply what any other loving and 
dutiful wife would have done imder the circumstances. The possession of the 
plates was admitted, but counsel would endeavor to show that another counterfeit 
engraver, named ' Kinsey,' had prevailed upon Boyd to engrave the plates, with 
the object of giving them away to the Government, as soon as the work was ad- 
vanced enough to prove conclusively the intent to counterfeit. In this way Kinsey 
sought to obtain pardon for his own past offenses. There had been thrown around 
the prisoner a net work of circumstances which seemed strong against him, but 
wliich would, when unveiled, place his client in a different light. It would be im- 
possible to prove that the prisoner engraved the plates in his possession ; the furthest 
the prosecution could go, was to prove possession. It was not charged that the one 
hundred dollar plates had been used, and the fact was, they never had been used, 
unless after the government obtained possession thereof. [Laughter] . 

The defendants attracted much notice throughout the proceedings from a large 
crowd of spectators, and during the eloquent reference of General Stiles to her 
case, Mrs. Boyd became much affected and shed tears freely, often quietly hiding 
her face in her handkerchief. 

The first witness examined was Patrick D. Tyrrell, for the Government, who 
gave the Court in the most clear and straightforward manner, a succinct narrative 
of all the particulars of his operations as an agent of the Treasury Department, in 
the detection and arrest of Ben. Boyd and his wife, substantially as given in the 
preceding pages. Witness undertook to state what Boyd said to him, but it was 
ruled inadmissible. 

The second witness was Mr. G. J. Verreck, bank note engraver, who passed upon 
the plates found in the pi'isoners' possession. His e\idence was purely technical. 

The thu-d witness was James J. Bi'ooks, Assistant Chief of Secret Service. His 
evidence was mainly corroborative of that of the first witness. Mr. Brooks was 
not allowed to state admissions made by Boyd. 

The fourth witness was Operative John R. McDonald, of the Secret Service, and 
the only new point brought out by him, was the offer of Mrs. Boyd to give him a 
thousand dollars, as has been related. 

This mass of testimony made the case strong for the Government, and pending 
further proceedings, the court adjourned to ten A. M., the next morning. 

"At a succeeding session of the Court, the evidence being closed and all argu- 
ments heard, his honor, the judge, directed the jmy to find Almiranda Boyd not 
guilty; she being the wife of Ben. Boyd, it was her duty to obey her husband and 
protect him. Boyd was found guilty, and remanded for sentence to Cook county'' 
jail, at Chicago, Illinois, the place of. confinement from which he had been brouglit 
into court. Prisoner's counsel gave due notice of a motion for a new trial. 

"On Febiiiary 7th, 1875, Operative Patrick D. Tyrrell conducted Ben. Boyd from 
the Cook county jail to Springfield, Illinois, where he and his wife were both used 
as witnesses for the Government in a very important case, the particulars of which 
are pai-t of the history of Nelson Driggs. Tyrrell returned Boyd to the place 
from which he had taken him for the above named occasion, and on February IGth, 
1875, General Stiles argued a motion for a new trial, which the court, upon consid- 
eration denied; but taking note of the fact that Boyd had become a witness for 
the Government, as already stated, his honor, the judge, was pleased to mitigate 



ATTEMPT TO STEAT^ THK BODY OE LINCOLN. 37 

the sentence. Boyd was then oondenmed to ser\'e a term of ten years imprison- 
ment in the Joliet (Illinois) penitentiary, and to pay a fine of one hundred dollars 
and costs of court. 

"The conviction and imprisonment of Ben. Boyd, and the breaking up of his 
business with Nelson Driggs, was a heavy blow to the trade of a host of coney 
men in the West and South. They could, of course, get the 'queer,' but they were 
no longer 'next the plate,' so, having to buy of middlemen, the profits were small, 
the 'stuff' mostly poor, and the risk very great. Every means was used to pi'e- 
vent the conviction of Boyd, and when he was at last imprisoned for ten years, all 
sorts of devices were employed to effect his release or secure for him a pardon, 
the most despicable of Avhich was the effort to accomplish it by capturing the dead 
body of President Lincoln. 

To produce a single plate for printing a bill, representing 
five, ten, twenty, fifty or a hundred dollars of our Govern- 
ment money, requires the use of thousands of dollars worth 
of the most complicated machinery, rooms well lighted, 
warmed and ventilated, with all the surroundings for comfort 
and ease, with pay sufficient to remove all anxiety about 
reasonable provision for self and family, and to enable the 
operative to take sufficient open air recreation to keep the 
mental and physical organs in perfect health. 

But here we find a man, Benjamin F. Boyd, with God given 
talents, and skill which can only be acquired by jears of 
practice and the most diligent industry, who could and did, 
without elaborate machinery, and with the simplest tools, in 
secreted rooms, often without proper ventilation, making 
every movement by stealth, like a hunted beast of prej-, re- 
producing these plates so perfect as to defy detection by any 
but the most expert. Such talents and skill, honestly and 
industriously directed, would have placed him at the head of 
all those employed by the Government, would have secured 
for himself honor, wealth and fame, and the society of the 
good, the wise and the great. He voluntarily chose to put 
the talents so bountifully bestowed upon him by the Diety, 
and the skill acquired by years of toil, on the side of fraud, 
and by so doing place himself outside the protection of law, 
under the delusive hope of gaining sudden wealth. This, too, 
when he knew that if he succeeded, his wealth must come 
through the hands of the most vile and depraved of his race, 
not one of whom he could trust for a moment with his ill 
gotten wealth. 

We find, however, that there is a lower depth to which 
beings in the form of men can sink. -.Those who had been 



38 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

putting counterfeit money in circulation until tliej came to 
depend upon it as a legitimate business. When they found 
their supply cut off by the imprisonment for a term of years 
of the man who furnished that supply, Avere willing to com- 
mit the hitherto unheard of crime of robbing the tomb of 
the greatest benefactor of his race, and making merchandise 
of his dead body, that they might restore to liberty the man 
who could restore to them their lost source of gaining a dis- 
honorable livehhood. 



DIVISION FOURTH. 



Plot in Chicago— P. D. Tyrrell, Operative of the U. S. Secret Service— The United 
States Secret Service in general — Custodian informed that the Thieves would 
Visit the Monument — Their Visit — The Attempt is made to Steal the Body — 
The Eesult — Remarkable Coincidence in Connection with the Assassination of 
Lovejoy — Important Letter from Hon. Leonard Swett — Capture of the Thieves. 



In the absence of Tyrrell from Chicago, Swegles, after ob- 
taining the information related in the preceding pages about 
the conspiracy, consulted an attorney, C. W. Dean, without 
giving the names of the conspirators, and was advised by 
Dean to lay all the facts before Tyrrell on his arrival. In the 
meantime Dean informed Hon. Leonard Swett and Robert T. 
Lincoln of what was being done. On the arrival of Tyrrell, 
Swegles unfolded to him the scheme, as far as it had come to 
his knowledge. He said that a party or parties from St. 
Louis had been in consultation at a drinking saloon called 
the "Hub," at 294 West Madison street, with Terrence Mul- 
len, the proprietor, one Jack Hughes, alias Shepherd, and a 
well known contractor of Chicago. They were all to meet at 
Spi-ingfield early some evening, steal the body, place it in a 
light, strong spring wagon, prepared by the contractor, who 
w'as to drive with all possible speed, by the aid of relays of 
horses previously arranged, to the sand hills in the northern 
part of Indiana, and bury it where the moving sand, caused 
by the winds, would «oon obliterate all evidences of their 



ATTKIMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 39 

crime, and by measurements to some natural landmarks, such 
as trees or rocks, make it possible to find it themselves. 

Upon receiving- this revelation from Swegles, Tyrrell directed 
him to return to the conspirators, accede to their proposi- 
tion that he should become one of them, learn all he could 
of their plans, and report to him daily, or otherwise, accord- 
ing to circumstances. In reply to some disparaging remarks 
about emplo;snno- men in the detective work, who were not 
always true and honest, in fact, who were thieves such as 
Swegles was known or afterwards proved to be, the writer 
once heard Tyrrell say, in substance, that, "when men go fish- 
ing, the most important thing is to learn what kind of bait 
the fish they wish to catch will swallow; that if an officer 
wishing to catch a thief or murderer, should bait his hook 
with a minister of the gospel in good standing, all men could 
see that the officer was a fool, because thieves and preachers 
do not naturally seek each others society." 

Friday, Oct. 26, 1876, Tyrrell had a consultation at the 
law office of C. W. Dean, in company with Lewis C. Swegles. 
Upon inquiry being made, Swegles was unable to give the 
names of the parties in St. Louis, as he had not then learned 
them. He said that one of the Chicago parties had been to 
St. Louis to perfect arrangements, and another had been to 
Springfield to examine the location and position of the re- 
mains in the Monument. The same day Tyrrell had a con- 
sultation with Hon. Leonard Swett, a life long legal, personal 
and political friend of President Lincoln, also with Robert T. 
Lincoln, son of the late President. Either Swett or Lincoln 
sent a telegram to Hon. John T. Stuart, at Springfield, chair- 
man of the Executive Committee of the National Lincoln 
Monument Association. Mr. Swett wrote a letter to Mr, 
Stuart, giving particulars, and suggesting that the Monu- 
ment be guarded. In consequence of this information, the 
writer, as Custodian of the Monument, was directed by Major 
Stuart to put one or more watchmen on the Monument 
grounds, and keep them there at night until the attempt was 
made or the danger averted. The orders were executed, and 
after that two men, armed each with a revolver, were kept there 
every night. I was there at nearly all times of night myself, 
to see that the watchmen were on duty, and had to be very 
careful about signals to avoid being shot on my own orders. 



40 ATTEMPT TO 8TEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

Some days were spent by the parties iu Chicago trying- to 
change the bail of Jack Hughes, in order to obtain the two 
tliousand dollars in bank to aid them in their satanic scheme. 
They also tried very hard to induce the wife of Ben. Boyd to 
furnish money for the same purpose, in both of which they 
failed. Meanwhile Tyrrell reported dail^^ to Chief Brooks. In 
reply to his report of November 1st, he was directed by Chief 
Brooks to go to the bottom of the matter. 

A brief account at this point, of the United States Secret 
Service, will no doubt be as interesting to the reader as the 
study of the subject has been to the writer. It was entirely 
an outgrowth of the war to suppress the great slaveholders 
rebellion. The securities of the government were increased in 
such a multiplicity of ways, and in such vast amounts, that 
it became the most inviting field for counterfeiting and other 
schemes of fraud ever opened to dishonest men. The talents 
and industr^^ displayed in defrauding and attempts to defraud 
the government, would have brought wealth to their pos- 
sessors in almost any other calling. Were it not for some 
such system as the United States Secret Service, for the de- 
tection and punishment of crime, none of the securities of the 
United States would now be secure. 

The statements I shall make, are drawn principally from a 
report, under date of Washington, D. C, Sept. 17, 1877, by 
James J. Brooks, Chief of the United States Secret Service, to 
Hons. K. C. McCormick, Kenneth Kaynor and Green B. Raum, 
a committee appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury to 
investigate and report on the workings of the Secret Service 
Division. 

In 1861, the sum of $10,000 was appropriated for the detection and bringing to 
trial, counterfeiters of United States Treasuiy notes, etc. Tiie worli of that kind 
suddenly assumed immense proportions, and, 

In 1862, the sum of $300,000 ^yas appropriated, and. 

In 1863, the sum of $600,000 was appropriated, all for the same purpose. 

A system of rewards was instituted, and with these large amounts to draw upon, 
jobs were set up, criminals detected, the money squandered and the criminals set 
at libei-ty under pretense of using them for the detection of others, and with it all 
counterfeiting increased. The funds were disbursed through various channels, 
generally through the solicitor of the Treasuiy, and for years reports were made to 
that officer. 

In 1864, the sum appropriated by Congress for tlie purpose of detecting frauds 
on tlie Treasury was reduced to $100,000. 

July 6, 1865, Solicitor Jordan appointed Mr. William P. Wood, Chief of the Secret 
Service, bemg the first time any officer was designated by that title. The follow- 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 41 

ing are the sums appropiiiilcd by Congress for the United States Secret Service 
for the years named : 

In 1866 $r)n,00() 

In 1866 ir)(M)()() 

In 1868 150,000 

In 1868 25,000 

In 18()i) 100,000 

In 1870 ]2r),000 

In 1871 ] 25,000 

In 1872 12r).(»oo 

In 1873 125.000 

In 1,^74 125.000 

In 1875 125,000 

In 1876 100,000 

In 1877 100,000 

I have not the information to follow this further, nor is it necessaiy to my pur- 
pose. 

The Chiefs of the Secret Sennce Bureau have been : 

William P. Wood, appointed in 1865. 

H. C. Whiting, appointed in 1869. 

S. B. Benson, Assistant, and acting Chief, appointed Sept. 10, 1874 

Elmer E. Washburn, appointed Oct. 2, 1874. 

James J. Brooks, appointed Oct. 27, 1876. 

The commission of Mr. Brooks reads : 

TREAsrKY Depaetjient, Oct. 27, 1876. 
James J. Broohs, Esq.- 

Sir : — Under the provision of the act of Congress approved March 3, 1875, you 
aie hereby appointed Chief of the Secret Sen-ice Division of the Treasury' Depart- 
ment, at a compensation of four thousand doUai's per annum, to take effect from 
this date. 

I am, veiy respectfully. 

Lot M. MoKKiiiii, 

Secretary. 

Chief Brooks was allowed an Assistant Cliief, four head clerks for as many 
branches of the work, a custodian and a messenger, all in the office at headquarters 
in Washington. For outside work he then had thirteen chief operatives, each in 
charge of a clearly defined district, the thirteen districts covering the whole of the 
United States and TeiTitories. He also had five special operatives and sixteen 
assistant operatives. 

In the eai'ly days of the Secret Sen'ice, apportunities presented themselves, 
under the veil of secrecy, for squandering large sums of money, without placing 
the responsibility clearly upon any officer. But all has since been changed. With 
the accumulation of knowledge by experience, the work has been reduced to such 
a perfect system that it is as easy to detect and expose wrong doing in this, as in the 
postoffice department, or any other division of the Government. It is unnecessary 
to name in detail all the thirteen districts and the work then being done in them, 
whether by a chief only or by assistant operative. 

In speaking of the district includino- Illinios, Chief Brooks 

uses stronger language of commendation concerning the Avork 

of the district Chief Operative, than in any otlier case, by 

saying, that "One Chief Operative, keeps his district clean by 

—3 



42 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

liimtiiig- for criminals." In the language quoted above he of 
course alludes to P. D. Tyrrell, who less than a year before 
had charge of the Lincoln Tomb robbing ease. It is not 
necessary to my purpose for me to follow the reports of Chief 
Brooks any further in detail, except to give results for the 
last fiscal year previous to his report. The following table 
shows the amount and character of counterfeit and stolen 
money; also stolen and altered United States bonds (reg- 
istered) captured and secured by and through the operatives : 

Amounts. 

United States Treasury notes $22,994 00 

National banli notes 15,470 00 

Currency 11,574 GO 

Genuine money stolen from, the cash room of the United States Treas- 

my 11,471 50 

By F. S. Winslow, stolen $11,990 00 

By F. S. Winslow, recovered 11,471 50 

Net loss 518 50 

Altered and registered United States bonds 65,050 00 

Coin 8,181 70 

Nickels 280 50 

Speil marke 1,105 00 

Flash notes 100 00 

Genuine I'aised notes 100 00 

State bank notes 4,839 00 

$141,165 70 

The following shows the number a,nd character of the coun- 
terfeit plates captured and secured by and through the opera- 
tives : 

PLATES FOK TEEASUKY NOTES. 

$5 00 copper obverse 1 

5 00 copper reverse 1 

5 00 copper tint 1 

5 00 copper seal 1 

Total plates 4 

PLATES rOE NATIONAL BANK NOTES. 

$2 00 copper, electrotype 1 

2 00 copper, border of back, electrotype 1 

2 00 copper, centre of back, electrotype ■. l 

10 00 German silver, obverse 1 

10 00 German silver, border of back 1 

10 00 German silver, centre of back 1 

10 00 German silver, seal 1 

10 00 copper, obverse, electrotype 20 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 43 

10 00 eoppei", border of bai'k, oloctrotypo 19 

10 00 copper, centre of back, ol(X'trotyp(> 10 

10 00 brass title plate 2 

Total plates 58 

PLATES FOR FKACTIONAIi CXJERENCY. 

50 cent, brass, Dexter head, obvcu'se 2 

50 cent, brass. Dexter head, reverse 2 

50 cent, brass, Dexter head, seal 1 

50 cent, brass, Dexter head, obverse, electrotype 35 

50 cent, brass. Dexter head, reverse 16 

50 cent, brass, Dexter head, seal 1 

50 cent, steel, Stanton head, obverse 1 

50 cent, steel, Stanton head, reverse 1 

50 cent, steel, Stanton head, seal 1 

50 cent, steel, Spinner head, reverse 2 

50 cent, steel, Dexter head, obverse (lithographic stone) 2 

50 cent, steel, Dexter head, reverse (lithographic stone) 2 

50 cent, steel, Dexter head, seal (lithographic stone) 2 

Total plates 68 

STEEIi DIES FOR COIN. 

Sets. 

10 cent silver coin , 1 

50 cent silver coin 3 

25 cent gold coin 1 

50 cent gold coin *. 1 

$1 00 gold coin 3 

5 00 gold coin 1 

1 00 Mexican silver coin 1 

Total sets of dies U 

MISCEIiliANEOUS. 

Presses for coin 1 

Presses for bills 2 

Fur caps, 6; pah- of gloves, 7 (stolen) 13 

There were 241 arrests made during that fiscal year, ending June 30, 1877, and 
of those convicted the sentences amoimted to three hundred and fourteen years. 

Every chief of the Secret Service up to and inchiding* Ehner 
AVashbiirn, did more or less operative work. It will be re- 
membered that while Washburn was Chief of the Secret Ser- 
vice, two of the most important arrests, in the dangerous 
character of the men arrested, the amount of good and 



44 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

bad money secured, and the implements for and its effect 
on counterfeiting, ever planned before or since, by one mem- 
ber of the Sprvice. The result was the capture of Benjamin 
F. Boyd and Nelson Driggs. (Jt will be remembered that the 
case was given by Chief Washburn to Capt. P. D. Tyrrell, at. 
the Palmer House, in Chicago, Feb. 5, 1875, for him to work 
up in his own way. When Washburn gave the case to Tyr- 
rell, he remarked that if he could capture those men, with 
facts and evidence to send them to the penitentiary for a 
long term, it would break the back bone of counterfeiting in 
the United States. Tyrrell gave almost his entire time to the 
case for more than eight months, when he located both the 
men, and satisfied himself that they were each hard at-wor^ 
He then wrote to Chief Washburn, who met him in Chicago, 
where two parties of officers were organized, one to be led by 
Tyrrell for the capture of Boyd at Fulton, and the other by 
Washburn for the capture of Driggs at Centralia, both in 
the State of Illinois. Both parties moved at the same hour, 
nine o'clock, on the morning of October 21, 1875, and each 
captured his man. 

While this work was going through the press in January, 
1889, I wrote to Tyrrell, at Topeka, Kansas, to ascertain 
what effect the arrest and conviction of Boyd and Driggs had 
on the spinal column of counterfeiting. He replied that it 
would be egotistical for him to say, but i-eferred me to the 
Ridgely National Bank, in Springfield. Mr. William Ridgely 
said that the amount of counterfeit money gradually de- 
creased from the time Boyd and Driggs Avere captured, and 
long since ceased to be presented, and now there is less coun- 
terfeit money in circulation than at ^ny time within his re- 
collection. He referred me to the teller, Mr. E. ^Y. Fayne, 
who said that at the time of the arrest, counterfeit bills 
were presented at the bank every hour of the day, but now 
he does not see one in a month. He said the younger men 
in the bank complained that there was not enough coun- 
terfeit money in circulation for them to learn how to 
detect it. Other bankers talked the same way. James J. 
Brooks, appointed Oct. 27, 1876, Chief of the Secret Service 
Division of the Treasury Depai-tment, never travels, or does 
any operative work outside his office in the city of Washing- 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 45 

ton. He finds tliat by reqniring- daily reports from each and 
every operative, lie can conduct the business better than if 
he went into the field himself. I find so much of interest in 
his reports that it is difiicnlt to stop. But I have given 
enough to nmke the reader wonder what would become of 
our circulating medium for the transaction of business, with- 
out the United States Secret Service. 

We will now return to the reports of Tyrrell to Chief Brooks, 
at Washington. In his report for Nov. 2, 187C, Tyrrell says: 
"Louis C. Swegies informs me this day, that last night the 
gang met at his room. While speaking of the probable 
amount to be realized from President Lincoln's remains, Ter- 
rence Mullins said, 'they could obtain from the government 
two hundred thousand dollars, besides the liberation of Ben. 
Boyd from Joliet penitentiary, and the respect of the Ameri- 
can people into the bargain,'" which shows that he had very 
queer ideas about what the people would think of their vil- 
lainous performance. 

Nov. 4, 1876, Tyrrell reports that there is no doubt about 
the parties being in earnest, and that they seem to be proud 
of the prospective reputation they will gain by it, still be- 
lieving they will be able to obtain two hundred thousand 
dollars, and the release of Ben. Bojd for future use in coun- 
terfeiting. Hughes and his friends tried hard to put in some 
other securities for his appearance at court, and to draw the 
two thousand dollars out of the bank, to enable them to 
work their plot with greater prospects of success. Tyrrell, 
knowing the importance of the money to them, and that he 
could thwart them much easier without money, exercised the 
greatest energy and shrewdness to prevent their obtaining it, 
and succeeded. 

Nov. 5th, being Sunday, Tyrrell did not make any report, 
but learned that the gang met and decided upon Tuesday 
night, Nov. 7th, as the time to rob the tomb of Lincoln. 

Nov. 6th, Monday, at nine o'clock in the morning, Swegies 
reported to Tyrrell that the gang were going to Springfield 
that night, in order to be ready. They selected the night of 
Nov. 7th, because that was the day for holding the election 
for President and Vice President of the United States, and 
they shrewdly judged that the excitement attending the elec- 



46 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

tion would draw awa^^ any attention that might otherwise 
be given to them, and in the event of their coming in con- 
tact with other parties at an unusually late hour of the 
night, there was a chance that each party would think the 
other was out in search of election news. Upon learning that 
the time was agreed upon, Tyrrell arranged for a meeting at 
the office of Robert T. Lincoln, at three o'clock that after- 
noon, when Lincoln, and Isham his partner, ex-Chief U. S. 
Secrect Service Washburn, and C. W. Dean, an attorney at 
law, whom Swegles consulted in all the earlier stages of his 
discoveries of the plot. The object of the consultation was 
to arrange for assistance. Before night they secured the ser- 
vices of John McDonald, a detective in the employ of the 
Illinois Humane Society, and John McGinn and George Hay, 
of the Pinkerton detective force. Robert T. Lincoln sent a 
telegram to Hon. John T. Stuart, at Springfield, to call early 
next morning at the St. Nicholas Hotel and inquire for C. A. 
Demorest, the name Tyrrell assumed for the occasion, in 
order to evade any suspicion that might be raised by any 
of the conspirators seeing his name on the hotel register. 

At nine o'clock that evening. Mullins, Hughes, Swegles and 
another man boarded the front platform of the front pas- 
senger car. Tyrrell, McGinn and Hay boarded the last sleep- 
ing car of the same train as it moved out of the depot of 
the Chicago and Alton Railroad. It was understood with 
Tyrrell, that ex-Chief Washburn and John McDonald were to 
follow on the next train leaving Chicago at nine o'clock on 
the morning of Nov. 7th, and Avould reach Springfield, 185 
miles south, at four o'clock that afternoon. As the train 
moved out on the evening of the sixth, Tyrrell moralizing on 
the situation, fully realized that the mission was a perilous 
one and might end in death to one or more of both parties. 
The train arrived at Springfield at six o'clock on the morn- 
ing of the 7th, nearly two hours behind time, Tyrrell, McGinn 
and Hay, stopping at the St. Nicholas Hotel. 

At half past eight, Swegles, who had kept with Mullins and 
Hughes, informed Tyrrell that they had registered at the St. 
Charles, a small hotel only a square and a half w^est of the 
St. Nicholas. Mullins registered as T. Durnan and Hughes as 
James Smith, both of Chicago. They were then both asleep, 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 47 

with orders at the office to be called at ten o'clock. About 
nine o'clock, Hon. John T. Stuart called at the St. Nicholas, 
and asked for C. A. Demorest, which was responded to by 
Tyrrell. Mr. Stuart accompanied Tyrrell to the Monument 
and introduced him to J. C. Power, the Custodian, with in- 
structions to the Custodian to co-operate with Tyrrell by 
giving all the information and assistance possible. Tyrrell 
and Power then made a thorough examination of the grounds 
and of the interior of the IMonument, and settled upon the 
proper point to place a man inside to hear any work that 
might be done on the sarcophagus. That point is marked by a 
star in the ground plan. Tyrrell informed the Custodian that 
during the afternoon two of the conspirators would visit the 
Monument. He gave a description of them and instructed the 
Custodian to show them everything usually shown to visitors, 
and to answer truthfulh^ all questions. Near three o'clock 
two men appeared answering the description given by Tyrrell. 
They paid the usual fee and registered, the one I afterwards 
found to be Swegles, as Henrj^ S. Lewis, of Kenosha, Wiscon- 
sin, and the other Hughes, as James Smith, Kacine, Wiscon- 
sin. Mullins did not come to the Monument at that time, 
and it is not known that he was ever there until he came 
that night expecting to accompany the remains of the Presi- 
dent to a safe hiding place. The Custodian answered all their 
questions truly and without hesitation, thinking that they 
were the real conspirators, but on learning who Swegles was, 
found that he understood the instructions given by Tyrrell 
to the Custodian, and was watching closely to see how the 
questions were answered, but failed to see any evidence of 
doubt or hesitation on the part of the Custodian. 

While Hughes and Swegles were at the Monument, Mullins 
secured an old axe at a German drinking saloon, for use in 
breaking open the sarcophagus. At five o'clock that after- 
noon Elmer Washburn, John McDonald and John English 
arrived. Tyrrell collected all immeciately in his room at the 
St. Nicholas Hotel. There were present, Tyrrell, Washburn, 
McGinn, Hay, McDonald, Swegles and English. The latter 
had been the private secretary of Washburn while he was 
Chief of the U. S. Signal Service, and was there by invitation 
of his former chief officer. AVhile they were all together, 



48 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LIxXCOLN. 




Map of Monument Grounds— Six Acres. 

AVasliburn catechised Svvegles very closely and sharply, in 
order to satisfy himself and all engaged of Swegles' honesty 
and sincerity in the matter. Tyrrell then detailed all his 
plans to Washbnrn in presence of the men, that each and all 
might fully understand what they were expected to do, and 
all received the entire approval of Washburn. When the time 
approached for action, Tyrrell sent George Hay to the Monu- 
ment, with a not6 to the Custodian that he might know they 
-were coming. When Hay arrived a little after five o'clock 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF TJXCOLN. 49 

there was barely sufficient light to enable the Custodian to 
read the note. 

The sun had not been visible during the whole of that day, 
and thick clouds hung hke a pall over the earth, making it 
so dark as early as six o'clock that a ninn could scarcely 
have seen his hand before him outside, but inside Memorial 
Hall the darkness could almost be felt. The Hall was warmed 
with steam, and a supply of lamps and matches were read\^ 
When Hay arrived, the Custodian took him inside the Hall, 
closed the doors, and they remained quietly without lights, 
until about forty minutes past six o'clock, when Tyrrell, 
Washburn, ;McDonald, McGinn and English appeared at the 
door, and were quickly admitted by the Custodian, Hay 
standing by to identify each one. When they were all safely 
inside, the Custodian fastened the doors, took a lamp and 
some matches in one hand, and with the other took the hand 
of Tyrrell, and he one of his men, until all joined hands. The 
Custodian then led the way through the back door of Me- 
morial Hall, as seen in the Ground Plan, turned to the left, 
winding among the labyrinth of walls until a, point was reached 
where hghts could not be seen from the outside, when a light 
was struck and all given up to Tyrrell, who continued along 
the line marked "Lamps,"' in the opposite direction from the 
way the arrows run, until he reached the spot marked with 
a star. There John English was stationed, that he might 
hear and convey the information back to Memorial Hall, 
when the miscreants began to work on the marble sarcopha- 
gus. Although there was a solid wall of brick and stone 
more than two feet thick, and without any opening, between 
English and the sarcophagus, it had been tested hy the Cus- 
todian and TjaTcU, on the first visit of the latter, the pre- 
vious morning, when it was found that liglit bloAVS on the 
sarcophagus could be distinctly heard where English stood. 
After examining the whole interior, lamps were placed along 
the line indicated by the arrows and the word "lamps," in 
order that English might find his way out. The five officers 
and the Custodian returning to Memorial Hall, were assigned 
positions, and all ordered to draw their boots and renmin 
perfectly quiet. 

Memorial Hall has but one outer door, and this has two 
shutters, one of iron rods and the other of wood and glass. 



50 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 




Ground Plan, Lincoln Monument. 

These were both closed and locked, and a white cloth screen 
placed near the door inside, so that it would not be possible 
to distinguish any object in there, by looking from the out- 
side. Tyrrell took a position inside where he was shielded 
from view by the screen, and yet near enough to the door to 
see every movement on the outside. Each and all remained 
in the positions assigned them, from about seven until about 
nine o'clock. I say about, because it was not possible for us 
to consult our watches without danger of revealing our pres- 
ence to the thieves. 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LIXCOLX. 51 

About six o'clock, and just before starting- to the Monu- 
ment, Tyrrell sent Swegles to meet Mullens and Hughes. 
How Swegles managed to keep up the delusion to them that 
he had a wagon and team, and yet arrive at the Monument 
with them, or near the same time they did, I do not know, 
but the hrst intimation we inside had of the presence of the 
conspirators, was a very brilliant light from a bull's eye or 
dark lantern, being thrust in between the rods of the outer 
door to Memorial Hall. It almost touched the glass of the 
inner door, and was turned about quickly, as though finding 
all locked, satisfied the parties with the lantern that the Hall 
was unoccupied. The light soon disappeared, and footsteps 
as of more than one person were heard retreating towards 
the catacomb at the north end of the ^Monument. It was 
Swegles and Hughes. Tyrrell then directed the Custodian to 
unlock the doors, but leave them closed, which he did, and 
had barely time to lesume his position when the lantern ap- 
peared again, this time carried by Swegles alone, who gave 
Tyrrell the password adopted for that night, "Wash," and 
informed Tyrrell that Hughes and Mullens had commenced 
sawing the lock at the rod door of the catacomb. Next, 
Hughes passed around alone without the light. About this 
time English, who had lenmined at the point marked by the 
star in the Ground Plan, came by the course of the arrows 
and lamps into Memorial Hall, and reported that the con- 
spirators were hard at work on the sarcophagus. 

For fifteen or twenty minutes after that not a man moved 
out of the Hall, and yet there were hurried movements and 
whisperings going on inside. The Custodian had never seen 
a single one of those men until within a few hours of that 
time. Thoughts ran thick and fast through his mind, and 
he soliloquized: "What if they are playing a farce, or some 
desperate game?" Here they are ostensibly to capture a lot 
of miscreants bent on committing a most infamous crime. 
They know that the conspirators are at work, and so far as 
I can understand, not a man moves hand or foot to arrest 
their progress. Can I accomplish anything? The answer 
came quickly. No, there is nothing you can do, for you do 
not know how to make a single move, therefore you must 
keep quiet and await developments. All this and much more 
passed through his mind in less time than it takes to write 



52 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN, 




National Lincoln Monument— South View. 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 53 

it. Then eaiiie a sliglit movement at the door. More whisper- 
iiio'8 were heard and a hurried exit, followed bv a few nujnients 
of deathlike stillness, and he began to realize that he was 
alone in the blackness of darkness. A man soon entered and 
called his name. It was the voice of Tyrrell. He directed the 
Custodian to bring the lamps from the interior of the Monu- 
ment which was quickly done. Tyrrell had gone out without 
his boots that his footsteps might not be heard. He put 
them on hurriedly and departed again. He had been out but 
a few moments, when — 

Hark! What is that? Crack! crack!! crack!!! A succes- 
sion of pistol shots rang out on the night air. As the men 
filed in to the light, hurried words were spoken. "The vil- 
lians are gone." "Oh, Lor-d! What a narrow escape," one 
exclaimed. All were pale and quivering with emotion. With 
the lights we proceeded to the Catacomb, and the sights we 
beheld are faithfully illustrated in the cut of the interior. 

In order to understand it clearly, let the readei' first turn to 
the Ground Plan. The form of the Catacomb is the exact half 
of a circle twenty-four feet in diameter, as will be seen by 
reference to the cut. Imagine yourself standing in the door 
of the Catacomb, and you see a true I'epresentation of the 
interior as it appeared when the ghouls made their exit. 

The marble walls and tessellated marble floor, with the 
position of the cedar coffin, and each piece of the marble sar- 
cophagus is well defined. By reference to the numbers and 
letters it will be easily understood. 

No. 1; is the extreme back part of an open crypt, eight feet 
deep, designed as a receptacle for the body of President Lin- 
coln, in which it rested from September, 1871, until October, 
1874, when it was taken from the iron coffin, placed in one 
of lead, and that in one of red cedar, and all put in the 
marble sarcophagus. 

No. 2, is a marble panel, back of which there is a crypt, 
containing the bodies of Mr. Lincoln's two sons, William and 
Edw^ard. 

No. 3, is a panel, back of which there is a crypt containing 
the body of Mr. Lincoln's son Thomas, whom he called Tad. 

No. 4, was then unoccupied, but the body of Mrs. Lincoln 
was placed in it July 19, 1882. Two days later, at the re- 
quest of Robert T. Lincoln, through Hon. John T. Stuart, 



54 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 




Natiuual Liuculii Mouumeut— North View. 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 55 

chairman of the executive comiiiittee of the Monument Asso- 
ciation, The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled in the nig'ht 
time and moved her remains to the interior of the Monument 
and buried them bj the side of her husband. That was done 
July 21, 1882, the second night after her body had been de- 
posited there. 

No. 5, is an unoccupied crypt, which will ])i'obnbly never be 
used. In arranging the crypts for the whole family, that was 
assigned or intended for Robert Lincoln, but he was never 
consulted about it, he was not then married, now he has a 
wife and children and is making his own history. He has 
long since given his family written instructions that in the 
event of his decease first, not to permit his body to be put 
in there but placed where he and his family can all be buried 
together, and he is entitled to greater respect for it. 

A, is the top or false lid of the marble sarcophagus. 

B, is the main lid of the marble sarcojDhagus, a sufficient 
distance from the wall to admit of a man passing between 
the two. 

C, is one of the wooden temporary trestles supporting the 
sarcophagus. 

D, is the top of the red cedar coffin. 

E, is the end of the cedar coffin, drawn about eighteen 
inches out of the sarcophagus, ready to be carried away. 

F F, are the marble sides of the sarcophagus. 

H H H H, are copper dowels in the mai'ble sides of the 
sarcophagus, for holding the main lid in position. 

G., is the marble end piece of the sarcophagus, bearing the 
inscription LINCOLN, surrounded with an oaken wreath in 
marble. It is proper to state that this piece did not occup}^ 
the place it does in the picture, but was left b3^ the vandals 
where it could not be seen from the door. 

Each and every piece remained as the miscreants left them, 
until the afternoon of November 9th, the second day after 
their visit, when all were replaced and cemented as though 
nothing had been done. 

The red cedar coffin is put together with brass screws from 
the outside. Every screw was examined before it was put 
back in the sarcophagus, and the creases in them were found, 
one and all, to be filled with rust or verdigris, proving be- 
yond a doubt that neither the wood nor lead coffin had been 



56 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 




opened, so that the remains up to that time Avere absohitely 
safe. The broken lock, pincers, chisel and axe were left pro- 
miscnously about the door, but do not appear in the picture. 
By Avay of explaining the ap])arent tardy action of those 
in IMemorial Hall, it may be said that the placing of English 
inside to listen, was merely an extra precaution, in order that 
the first movement to break open the sarcophagus might be 
known be.vond a doubt, but was not the intention to move 
out on information thus obtained. It was previously arranged 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF UNTOLN. 57 

between chief^ operative Tyrrell and Swegles, that the latter, 
on his arrival with Hn^hes and Mullins, and while thej were 
busy opening- the sarcophagus, was to go around outside, and 
if anything prevented their getting sufficiently near each 
other to exchange pass words, Swegles was to stand in front 
of Memorial Hall, strike a match and light a cigar, VN-hicli 
was to be the signal that the way was clear for the entire 
force to close in ilpon the conspirators. Swegles walked 
ai'ound once and gave to Tyrrell the pass word, for that 
night, "Wash," as previously stated, and informed him that 
Hughes and Mullins were sawing and filing at the padlock to 
the catacomb. I mereh' digress to say that Mullins broke a 
very fine steel saw, and was under the necessity of finishing 
with a hand saw file, which caused them to be much louger 
effecting an entrance than they would otherwise have been, 

(Note — The lock thus broken is still preserv^ed in the Memorial 
Hall, but the key belonging to it was carried by the Custo- 
dian until February 12, 1887, when he presented it to his 
friend. Gen. Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland, California.) 

On entering the catacomb, an incident entirely unlooked 
for, occurred. When the door was forced, the dark lantern 
was placed in Swegles' hands, and he was pushed in to the 
southeast corner of the catacomb, marked with a cross, 
and instructed to stand there and hold the light. Mullins 
proceeded to open the sarcophagus, and Hughes to patrol 
outside, keeping close watch about the door. Swegles saw 
at a glance that if he undertook to dispose of the lantern and 
pass out of the door, one or the other of them would prob- 
ably shoot him dead. There seemed to be nothing left for him 
to do but stand where he was and hold the hght, studying 
meanwhile how to make up for lost time. It may be inferred 
that Mullins and Hughes suspected Swegles' fidelity, but I 
think that move simply meant that they did not know him as 
well as they knew each other, and they were determined to 
have him in as close quarters as they were themselves. When 
the sarcophagus was taken to pieces and the wooden coffin 
drawn partly out, ready to drive away, as shown in the broken 
sarcophagus, Hughes and Mullins stepped outside with Swegles 
and told him to bring up the team, and they would wait for 
him at the door. He had no team, nor never intended to 
have, but had agreed to do so, and made them beheve he 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL, THE BODY OF, LINCOLN. 




had one at tlie east gate, in a north east direction. Wlien 
he was told to bring it up, he ran about half way down the 
steep bluff, until he knew they could not see him in conse- 
quence of the thick darkness. He then turned abrupty to 
the right, ran south on the sward until he came opposite the 
entrance to Memorial Hall, and again turned squarely to the 
right, crossed the drive around the monument, and approach- 
ing the door, gave the password to Tyrrell and explained to 
him the situation, that he was supposed to be bringing up 
the wagon and a teamster, and that Hughes and iMnllins 
were waiting his return at the door of the catacomb. Tyrrell 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN, 59 

then told Swegles to remain in the back ground, stated the 
situation to Washburn, and summoning Hay, McGinn and 
McDonald, started for the catacomb, as indicated by the 
arrows on the outside of the ground plan. Tyrrell entered 
the catacomb first, with revolver in hand, cocked and ready 
for quick work, called upon whoever was inside to surrender. 
Not receiving any answer, he called the second time, and still 
no answer, he struck a match, when the scene, of the broken 
sarcophagus was revealed to him, and in his own language 
he was surprised that "no fiend was there." 

Tyrrell immediately gave orders for McGinn and Hay to 
examine the grounds on the slope of the bluff north, and re- 
turned to Memorial Hall, for his boots, as previously stated. 
He held a short consultation with Washburn, then went out- 
side, and ascending a flight of steps, he walked out to the 
southwest corner of the Terrace, thinking the ghouls may 
have gone up there, by one of the four flights of steps, to 
wait for the team. It was now approaching the time for the 
moon to rise, — which it did that night at ten o'clock and 
twenty-four minutes, — and being elevated sixteen feet above 
the surrounding level of the ground, he was enabled to see 
the outlines of two men on the northwest corner of the Ter- 
race, about seventy feet north of where he stood. He drew 
up his revolver and fired at them. They returned the fire 
and then ran to the northeast corner. Tyrrell moved as 
quickly to the southeast corner where they exchanged two 
shots each, and both parties ran back and assumed the posi- 
tions occupied by each when the first shots were fired. The 
two men were maneuvering to keep under cover of the granite 
pedestals and get another shot at Tyrrell. He went to the 
head of the stairway where he had ascended, called down to 
Washburn, addressing him as he had done while at work 
under him in the U. S. Secret Service, said: "Chief we have 
the de'ils up here." Then calling to his men to come up, 
which was responded to by McDonald only, Tyrrell supposing 
that his whole force was supporting him, gave orders to sur- 
round the obelisk and capture them, A voice then came from 
behind one of the four pedestals adjoining the obelisk, "Tyrrell 
is that you." Tyrrell made no reply for the reason that one 
of the miscreants, Hughes, knew his voice, and he declined to 
exchange words with him, and again called for his men to 



60 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

come up. The same voice once more came from behind the 
pedestal, "Tjrrell, for God's sake, answer, is that you shoot- 
ing- us.?" It was then found that while Tyrrell was putting 
on his boots and ascending at the south end, McGinn and 
Hay had hastily examined the grounds as w'ell as they could 
in the intense darkness, and ascended to the terrace at the 
north end, and it was McGinn's voice that revealed the mis- 
take. They all then came down into Memorial Hall, uttering 
the exclamations previously recorded. It was afterwards 
learned that when Mullins and Hughes started Swegles off 
for his mythical team, agreeing to remain at the door of 
the catacomb until his return, they, too shrewd to remain at 
the door, lest some other parties might be looking for them, 
quietly withdrew about 110 feet northwest down the bluff to 
a small oak tree. [See map, at the point marked "Location 
of Thieves."] They were watching the door of the catacomb 
at the north front, when the officers came around the east 
side of the monument from Memoraial Hall. [Scf^ ground plan.'\ 
The thieves started to meet the officers, thinking it was 
Swegles and his teamster, coming for the body, and were in the 
act of going to meet them quickly, when within twenty or 
thirty feet of the door, they discovered that instead of two, 
the dim outlines of four or five men w^ere seen filing into the 
catacomb. That was entirely too many. The thieves halted, 
and assuming a listening attitude, soon learned that it was 
a party of officers hunting for them. In speaking to Swegles 
about it before they were captured, and consequently previous 
to their learning that he had "given them away," they said 
that they thought it would be decidedly "more healthy for 
them to go the other way." Swegles had some marvelous 
hairbreadth escapes to relate to them in order to retain their 
confidence, until he could decoy them into the hands of the 
officers. The robbers had time to get out of the grounds of 
Oak Ridge Cemetery, by way of the east gate, and were near 
the foot of the bluff, close to the northern terminus of Fifth 
Street Railway, when the firing took place on the monument. 
One of the conductors on the Fifth Street Railroad having 
just reached the end of the track with his car, in time to 
hear the firing, also heard a voice coming up from the dark- 
ness below, saying: "D n you, you cannot shoot us, you 

are not smart enough for that." At the same time the con- 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE HODY OF LINCOLN. Gl 

duetor distinctly heard the strong; voice of Tyrrell, a quarter 
of a mile away, ordering his men to snrround the obelisk and 
captnre what he snpposed were the thieves, but soon after 
found them to be his own men. 

When the officers had just emerged from Memorial Hall on 
the way to the catacomb, one of them, in cocking- his revol- 
ver, accidentally let the hammer slip and explode the cap. 
Putting that with the failure to capture the robbers, the in- 
cident was readily caught up and turned into a charge that 
there was a traitor among the officers, who gave that as a 
signal to the thieves of approaching danger, Tyrrell and 
those with him were exceedingly moi-tified at the termination 
of the affair, and at the time I shared the same feeling with 
them, although I was in no way responsible for the failure, 
and would not in any sense have been entitled to credit, if it 
had been a success. But I am now satisfied that it could not 
possibly have terminated as well in any other way. If Tyrrell 
had found them in the catacomb, entering the door as he 
did, they could and would have seen aiid shot him before he 
could have learned which one of the dark corners they were 
in. The escape of all parties on the terrace, after leaving the 
catacomb, was most providential. Each party came so near 
being shot, as to feel the wind from the balls fired by the 
other side as they whistled by their faces. The report at the 
time that the firing took place among the trees was a mis- 
take. It was all done on the terrace, sixteen feet from the 
ground. 

In his report of the affair to Chief Brooks, of the United 
States Secret service, Tyrrell speaks of it as "One of the most 
unfortunate nights I have ever experienced, yet God protected 
us in doing right." Further on he says: "The encounter on 
the Lincoln Monument will ever be remembered by me as an 
escape from death most miraculous, and I thank God from 
the bottom of my heart." 

With all this there are men who affect to believe that the 
whole affair was a sham and a pretense. It appears so much 
smarter, and is so much easier to look wise and say it was a 
"put up job," than it would be to ascertain w^hat is true, 
and give a fair statement of it. Whatever may have been 
done formerly, or may be doing now by private detectives, 
in the way of put up jobs, for the purpose of making ephem- 



62 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

eral reputations and extorting money, the time has long 
since passed for that kind of work in the United States Secret 
Service. There is too much real work to be done. The most 
daring ambition in that direction may find an ample field in 
hunting for real criminals, and the wonder is that there are 
competent men willing to do it. It requires greater courage 
to be a successful operative in the Secret Service of the United 
States, than to be a private soldier of the line. The soldier 
may go courageously through battle, amid the roaring of 
cannon, the rattling of musketry, and shouting of victorious 
numbers, who would quail in a single hand-to-hand conflict 
in the dark with a desperate criminal. The operative in the 
United States Secret Service requires all the courage of the 
private soldier, combined with the skill of the trained com- 
mander. As evidence that many of them possess these quali- 
fications, we have only to call to mind the vast amount of 
work done by them among the moonshine distillers, in the 
mountains of Tennessee and Georgia, and the large number 
of deaths of the brave men accomplishing it. 

The street cars stopped running at ten o'clock, while all 
was yet in darkness, but soon after the tragedy the moon 
arose and the light struggling through the clouds enabled us 
to find our way back to the city. Washburn was lame from 
a sprained ankle, and unable to walk to town. The writer 
went over on the opposite hill to the residence of Wm. Bickes, 
the sexton of Oak Eidge Cemetery, and asked for a horse and 
spring wagon, telling him that one of the men was unable to 
walk, and we wanted it to take him to the city. We arrived 
a little after eleven o'clock. 

AVe let the broken sarcophagus and the interior of the cata- 
comb remain as the robbers left it, with the exception of put- 
ting a new lock which I had in ]\Iemorial Hall, on the door, 
and gathering up the tools. Large numbers of people came 
out and saw the effect of their work, as it is shown in the 
broken sarcophagus. As previously stated, on the afternoon 
of the ninth, we had workmen come out, push the coffin back 
in its place, put the marble together, cement the joints and 
leave all as the robbers found it on the night of Nov. 7th, 
and as it is restored, as Avill be seen by the engraving. 

It is a remarkable coincidence that the attempt to steal the 
remains of President Lincoln, should have occurred on the 



ATTIOMPT TO STEAL THE 150DY OP LINCOLN, G3 

thirtj-nintli aimiversaiy of the assiiiation of Rev. Elijah P. 
Lovejoy, the first proniinent martyr in the cause of abohsh- 
ing- human slavery in the United States of America, which 
occuri-ed at Alton, llhnois, about the same hour on the even- 
ing of Nov. 7, 1837. 

Many visitoi-s have expressed surprise that the marble was 
not broken. Swegles explained that to the writer, when he 
was here the next May at the trial. He said they found no 
diffieulty in removing the extreme top piece, but when they 
attempted to remove the nmin lid, which projects over the 
sides, it was found that although the cement was broken, 
they could not turn it around. Mullins was in the act of 
striking upward with the axe, to break off the edges of the 
projecting marble, when Swegies caught his arm and reminded 
him that it was but a short distance to the residence of the 
sexton of the Cemetery; and that they might be heard and 
compelled to leave without accomplishing their object. He 
then proposed that they all join in removing it, which they 
did by lifting until the fact was revealed that there were 
three copper dowels on each side. By lifting it above these 
dowels, they were able to turn it across the sarcophagus, 
when they pushed it back against the wall, as shown in the 
engraving, 

When we all went from the Monument into the city, some 
visited the telegraph and newspaper offices, and an account 
of the events of the evening was read next morning, not only 
in the papers of our own country, but in all other countries 
reached by the telegraph, producing a sensation which for a 
time overshadowed the election news. Tyrrell, Hay and Mc- 
Donald boarded the midnight train on the Chicago and Alton 
road for Chicago. Swegles w'ent on the same train, but kept 
as much under cover as possible. Washburn and McGinn re- 
mained to examine the field next morning. There was some 
expectation that Hughes and Mullins would also go on the 
midnight train for Cnicago, but they were too shrewd for 
that. The next morning they called for breakfast at a farm 
house north of the Sangamon river, about seven miles north- 
east of Springfield, and after that disappeared for nearly 
ten days, when Swegles reported to Tyrrell that they were 
together at the "Hub," Mulhns' drinking saloon 294 AVest 
Madison street, Chicago. A warrant w^as procured and placed 



64 ATTEMPT TO 8TEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

in the hands of Dennis Simms, of the Chicago city police force. 
About eleven o'clock on the evening of Nov. 17, 1876, officers 
Simms, McGinn, Tyrrell and ex-Chief Washburn entered the 
"Hub," and at the same time captured both. MuUins and 
Hughes, handcuffed them, drove to the Central police station 
and lodged them in prison. They were brought to Spring- 
field, arriving on the Chicago and Alton train, Saturday 
morning, Nov. 18th. They were visited at the county jail 
and identified by several persons,— the Custodian among them, 
—who had seen them while here on their ghoulish expedition. 
As previously intimated, it was so much easier to dispose 
of the whole question of the Lincoln tomb robbery by crying 
"put up job," on the part of the detectives, than to investi- 
gate the subject and obtain the facts, that charges of that 
kind were freely made, and rung ou all the changes up and 
down the scale. They especially charged that the plot was 
gotten up in the interest of Elmer Washburn, who had until 
a short time previous to that event been Chief of the United 
States Secret Service. A letter from Hon. Leonard Swett, in 
the Chicago Tribune of Nov. 23, 1876, very emphatically re- 
futes that charge, and I think in justice to him that it should 
form a part of this history. The letter is as follows: 

Chicago, Nov. 22 (1876).— As intimations have been made in tlie daily papers 
that the arrest of the parties charged with desecrating the tomb of Abraham Lin- 
coln was fraudulent, and induced by Elmer Washburn, and as the facts of his con- 
nection with the case are known to me, and based upon my request, I consider it 
my duty, in justice to him, and without his knowledge or sohcitation, to state what 
I know in reference to the facts involved. 

One day during the Sullivan trial, a la^wyer came to me manifesting great 
earnestness, and said a client of Ms had revealed to him the fact that a plan was 
on foot to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln. I do not consider it proper to state 
anything more in reference to this plan or its objects, than to say that it had no 
connection with politics, but was simply crime, and to accomplish criminal and 
mercenary ends. 

I asked permission to state the facts to Robert Lincoln, and upon consultation 
with him MTote to John T. Stuart, of Springfield, who had been prominently con- 
nected with the Lincoln Monument Association, stating simply what I had heard, 
and expressed no opinion upon the facts, but suggested that perhaps the slightest 
intimation of danger ought to induce proper safeguards, if the body was in a posi- 
tion where it could possibly be exposed to such a sch.^,me. The next day brought 
to my knowledge the fact that any public guard, or open precaution would simply 
postpone the attempt, and therefore, upon the belief that the officers themselves 
would catch the parties in the act, it was thought best to let them do it. 

I therefore wi'ote to Mr. Stuart again, telling him that the plan had been matured 
■to catch the perpetrators in the act, but while this was promised, and in deference 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. G5 

to it our precautions should be secret, still they should be so effectual as to leave 
no danger of the success of the thieves. Some ten days elapsed, the details of 
which I purposely omit, but the result was that the parties got ready and selected 
election night, because public attention would then be absorbcxl. 

Up to this time, all I had done was at the request of Eobert Lincoln, to induce 
the precautions at Springfield above stated. He also asked me, as he did not wish 
to act in the matter, to do anything I might consider prudent and proper. He 
came to me the day of the night the parties were going, and said he was fearful 
generally about what would be done, and the result, and I suggested, as Elmer 
Washburn was in town, and I placed full reliance both in his discretion and integ- 
rity, that we should consult him generally on the situation. 

That afternoon Mr. Washburn was consulted by Eobert, but I was not able to be 
px-esent, and that night aftei' this consultation, Mr. Washburn informed me that the 
parties had gone to Springfield on the evening tram. This was the first infonna- 
tiou I had t! at they were going at a definite time, or that they had gone. If I had 
known certainly that they were going, I should have procured Washburn to follow 
them at once, but then it was too late. 

I begged Washburn to go down the next morning, but he expressed reluctance 
because he had no authority, and it might seem Hke interfering. I told him I was 
authorized by Robert to act, and urged him in every way I could to go to Spring- 
field on the morning train. He finally promised that, after voting at the Twenty- 
second Street Station, he would then take the Chicago and Alton train if he could, 
and if he failed he would report to me, and I said I would get a special engine for 
him. 

After leaving him I became fearful, that in thinking the matter over his disin- 
clination to interfere might finally pi-evail, and I went to Twenty-second street 
station a few minutes after the polls opened and waited until nine, for the purpose 
of placing in his hands a written request on behalf of Eobert and myself for him 
to take charge of the matter in connection with Mr. Tyrrell. 

Missing him there, as he, in fact, voted near the Palmer House, I went to Eoberts' 
house, and after becoming satisfied that he had gone on the nine o'clock train, we 
telegraphed him at Bloomington, en route, to take charge of the matter, and we 
would back him in whatever he might do. The object of this was that he might 
feel authorized to act, as far as we could authorize him. That night Washburn 
telegraphed me that the parties had escaped, but although temporarily baffled, he 
and Ml-. Tyrrell worked with skill and caution, and finally caught the men. 

Nobody in connection with this whole matter has been tiying to make any money 
or affix any conditions to their work, or in any way secure any compensation. The 
only money that has been paid out is a matter of $2.00 per day to some parties 
connected with the case who are poor and could not give their time Avithout com- 
pensation. 

The conduct of the officers has been such as Avould meet with the approval of all, 
provided they knew the facts involved. The arrests having been made, I employed 
the Hon. Charles H. Eeed to go to Springfield to take cha7-ge of the prosecution. 
I did this because I thought my feeUngs might misguide me, and I knew him to be 
one of the best prosecutors in the country. When all the facts are knowai, the 
gentlemen I have named will be entitled to, and doubtless will receive, the thaiiks 
of all who loved Mr. Lincoln and who wish that his ashes may rest in peace. 

Yours truly, 

Leonard Swett. 



66 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

The capture of these miscreants brought about a remarka- 
ble revekition. The reader will remember that James B. 
Kiuealy, who originated in St. Louis the first plot to rob the 
tomb of Lincoln, put it into the hands of a go-between, or 
messenger between himself and his band of coney men at the 
town of Lincoln, Logan county, Illinois, to carry into execu- 
tion. The messenger selecting four others, the^^ five came to 
Springfield, and when all things were about ready to consum- 
mate their designs, the drunkenness of one of their number 
exploded the scheme, and Kinealy went under cover, and was 
seen no more by officers until after the arrest of Hughes nnd 
Mullins, when it was found that he was partner with jNIullins 
in the "Hub" saloon. He was the party from St. Louis men- 
tioned by Swegles in his reports to Tyrrell of his first inter- 
views with the conspirators. The officers then having no 
cliarge against Kinealy, he was left there. His good fortune 
or natural shrewdness seems afterward to have forsaken him. 
He was arrested in St. Louis, Missouri, April 14, 1880, for 
dealing and having in his possession counterfeit flO U. S. 
Treasury notes, and Nov. 18, 1882, he plead guilty in the 
U. S. District Court in St. Louis, and was sentenced to serve 
one 3'ear in Chester, Illinois, penitentiai-y, and he served that 
term. 

At that time there was not a law on the statute books of 
Illinois that made it a penitentiary offense to rob a grave or 
in any way steal a dead body. A law was enacted and ap- 
proved May 21, 1879, which came in force July first of the 
same year, under which a party convicted of that offense is 
subject to a penalty of not less than one nor more than ten 
years in the penitentiary. In order to inflict anything like 
an adequate penalty, these men had to be tried for something 
more than an attempt to steal the remains of President Lin- 
coln. The circuit court of Sangamon county was in session 
at the time they were captured, but its grand jury for tlrat 
term had transacted all the business that came before it, and 
had been discharged. This case was so shocking to the finer 
feelings of humanity that it was thought by the court to be 
of sufficient importance to summon a special grand jury, to 
proceed with the case at once, and it was accordingly done. 

I shall not attempt to give a detailed report of tlie evidence 
and pleadings on the subject. I think it will be reasonably 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 67 

satisfactory to the public to give a transcript from the records 
of the court, certified iu due form, which I here proceed to lay 
before the reader. 



DIVISION FIFTH 



Grand Jury of Sangamon County find a True Bill of Indietmont against the 
Thieves — Their Trial and Conviction in Springfield— Their Eemoval to the 
Penitentiary at Joliet. 



State of iLiiiNois, 
Sangamon County. 



In Circuit Court— November Special Term, A. D. 1876. 



Pleas, before the Honorable Charles S. Zane, one of the Judges of the Nine- 
teenth Judicial Circuit of the State of Illinois, and sole presiding Judge of the 
Circuit Court of Sangamon county, in the State aforesaid, and at a special term 
thereof, begun and held at the Court House, in the city of Springfield, in said 
county, on the thirteenth day, being the twentieth day of November, in the year of 
our Lord one thousand eight hundred and seventy-six, and of the independence of 
the said United States the one hundred and first. 

Present— Honorable Charles S. Zane, Judge of the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit 
of the State of Illinois; James A. Winston, Clerk; K. H. Hazhtt, State's Attorney; 
L. H. Ticknor, Sheriff. 

[Attest.] E. E. EOBEKTS, Clerk. 

Thereafter, to-wit, on the twentieth day of November, A. D. 1870, the same being 
one of the term days of the special November tei'm, A. D. 1876, the following pro- 
ceedings were had and entered of record, to-wit: 

And now comes the Sheriff of Sangamon county and returns into open court the 
names of the persons summoned by him according to law, and the special venire 
issued by the clerk in obedience to the order of the court, this day entered of re- 
cord, to serve as a special Grand Jury at the present term, to-wit: Wilham C. 
Greenwood, Henson Eobinson, John O. Eames, D. W. Peden, Val B. Hummel, 
WiUiam Chamberlain, Ninian W. Taylor, Edward R. Pirkins, William H. Holland, 
B. F. Fox, Edward E. Eoberts, George N. Black, John W. Chenery, G. A. Van 
Duyn, 0. F. Stebbins, A. M. Sims, James M. Gai'land, Joel B. Brown, Charles A. 
Helmle, Samuel Haines, E. W. Diller, Thomas C. Jewell and S. Cook Hampton; 
who are now called and all answer to their names. Thereupon the Court appointed 
E. W. Diller as Foreman of said Grand Jury, and the said Foreman and said Grand 
Jury being first duly swoni, according to law, as a grand inquest for the People of 
the State of Illinois, to inquire for the body of the county of Sangamon, are then 
by the State's Attorney charged touching their duties, and retire to consider of 
their presentments, in charge of an officer of the court, who for that purpose was 
dulv sworn. 



G8 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

And on the same day and date last aforesaid, the following further proceedings 
were had and entered of record, to-wit: And now comes the Grand Jury into open 
comt, and presents the following bill of indictment, endorsed as follows, which, by 
order of court, is filed, the case docketed, and said indictment spread at lai'ge upon 
the records: 



The People of the State of IlUnois, j^ indictment for attempt to com- 

Terrence Mullen alias, and Jack Hughes alias. ) "^ ^""'^^ * 



A TEUE BILL. 



E. W. DiiiLEE, Foreman of the Grand Jury. 



WITNESSES. 

Thos. C. Smith, Elmer Washburn, Patrick D. TyiTell, Lewis C. Swegles, John C. 
McGinn, Peter Engel, Jolin C. Power. Additional witnesses, on the other side, 
"SVilliamBickes, Geo. Hay, Wm. Neely, O. M. Hatch, Geo. H. Harlow, John W. 
Bunn, William Jayne, Fred. Schlitt, Geo. P. English, John T. Stuait, 0. H. Miner. 
Said indictment is in the words and figures following, to-wit : 
State of Illinois, } 

SaOS'CtAMON Cotj.ntt. \ 

Of the November special term of said Sangamon county, A. D., 1876. 



The Grand Jurors chosen, selected and sworn in and for said Sangamon county, 
in said State of Illinois, in the name and by the authority of the People of said 
State of Illinois, upon their oaths present. 

That Tenanee Mullen ahas T. Durnan, and John Hughes alias J. Smith, on the 
seventh day of Novemlier, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and 
seventy-six, in said county and State, did unlawfully and feloniously attempt to 
steal, take and cany away certain personal property, to-wit: One casket, otherwise 
called a coffin, of the value of seventy-five dollars, the personal goods and property 
of the National Lincoln Monument Association, the said Lincoln Monument Asso- 
ciation being then and there a corporation organized under and by viii:xie of the 
laws of the State of Illinois, contrary to the statutes and against the peace and 
dignity of the People of the State of Illinois. 

EOBEET H. HaZLETT, 

Filed Nov. 20, 1876. State's Attorney. 

James A. Winston, Clerk. 

And now. comes again the Grand Juiy in open court, and presents the following 
bill of indictment, endorsed as follows, whicli by order of the court is filed, the case 
docketed, and indictment spread upon the records. 

The People of Illinois ) 

vs. > Indictment for Conspiracy. 

Terrence Mulliu alias, and John Hughes alias. ) 



A TEUE BILL. 



E. W. DiLLEK, Foreman of the Grand Jury. 



WITNESSES. 

Thomas C. Smith, Elmer Washburn, Patrick D. Tyrrell, Lewis C. Swegles, John 
C. McGinn, Peter Engel, Jolm C. Power, William Bickes, George Hay, WilUam 



ATTEMPT TO STKAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. OD 

Neely, O. M. Hatch, George H. Harlow. Additional witnesses on the other side, 
John W. Bunn, William Jayne, Fred. Schlitt, Geo. P. English, John T. Stuai't, 0. 
H. Miner. 

Said hulictment is in the words and figures following, to-wit : 

State of tLLiNO s, } 
Sangamon County. [ 

Of the special November term of the Circuit Court of said Sangamon 

County, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight 

Hundred and Seventy-six. 

The Grand Jurors chosen, selected and sworn, in and for said Sangamon county, 
in the name and by the authority of the people of the State of Illinois, upon their 
oaths present, that heretofore, to-wit : On the Seventh day of November, in the 
yeai- of our Lord, one thousand eight himdred and seventy-six, there was situated 
and located in said Sangamon county, a certain place for the interment of the re- 
mains of a human body, called a tomb, and that the said place for the interment of 
the remains of a human body, called a tomb, then and there contained and had de- 
posited in it a certain casket, otherwise called a coffin ; and that the casket other- 
wise called a coffin, then and there contained the human remains of Abraham Lin- 
coln, before then deceased, and lawfully put and deposited in said casket, other- 
wise called a coffin ; and that on the said seventh day of November, in the year of 
our Lord aforesaid, in said Sangamon county, Terrence Mullen alias T. Durnan, 
and John Hughes alias J. Smith, did unlawfully, wickedly, knowingly and felon- 
iously combine, conspire and agree together willfully and without authority to for- 
cibly break open and enter said tomb and unlawfully, feloniously, willfuUy and 
without authority, take, remove, convey and carry away from said tomb the said 
casket, othei-wise called a coffin, and the said human remains of said Abraham 
Lincoln,* contrary to the law and against the peace and dignity of the said People 
of the State of Illinois. 

And the Gi"and Jurors aforesaid, upon their oaths afoiesaid, further present that 
the said Terrence Mullen, alias T. Durnan, and John Hughes, alias J. Smith, on 
the day and year aforesaid, did unlawfully, wickedly, knowingly and feloniously 
combine, conspire and agree together unlawfully and feloniously to steal, take and 
carry away, certain personal goods and property, to wit: the said casket, othei"^'ise 
called a coffin, of the value of seventy-five dollars, the personal goods and prop- 
erty of the National Lincoln Monun]ent Association, the said Association being 
then and there organized under the laws of said State of Illinois, contrary to stat- 
utes, and against the peace and dignity of the said People of the State of Illinois. 

Eobert H. Hazlitt, 

Filed Nov. 20, 1876. State's Attorney. 

James A. Winston, Clerk. 

The People, Plaintiff, ) 

vs. |- Attempt at larceny. 

Terrence Mullen alias, and John Hughes alias. Defendants. ) 

Upon motion of the State's Attorney, the defendants bail is fixed at six thous- 
and dollars each, and this cause is continued. 

*This is a mistake, they never got the remains out of the coffin, nor the coffin 
out of the sarcophagus. Sed cut of the sarcophagus as the thieves left it. 



70 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

The People, Plaintiff, V 

vs. > Conspiracy. 

TeiTence Mullen alias, and John Hughes alias, Defendants. ) 

Upon motion of the State's Attorney, the defendants' bail Is fixed at four thou- 
sand dollars each, and this cause is continued. 

Thereafter, to wit, on the 14th day of March, A. D. 1877, the same being one of 
the teiTu days of the February Tenn, A. D. 1877, of said court, the following 
further proceedings were had in said cause, and entered of record, to-wit: 

The People, Plaintiff, ) 

vs. >■ Attempt to commit larceny. 

Terrence Mullen and John Hughes, Defendants. ) 

And now comes the State's attorney and the defendants in proper person and by 
counsel, and leave is given State's attorney to endorse names of John Dixon, 
Thomas Keagle, T. J. Sharp and WilUam Beertsall, as witnesses for the prosecu- 
tion. 

And upon motion of defendants' attorney, it is ordered that the venue in this 
cause be, and it is hereby changed to the county of Logan, State of Illinois, and 
tliat the clerk make up and transmit to the clerk of the Logan County Circuit 
Court, a transcript of the record, and original papers herein. 

The People, Plaintiff, ) 

vs. r Conspiracy. 

Terrence Mullen and John Hughes, alias, Defendants. ) 

And now comes the State's attorney, and the defendants in proper person and 
by counsel, and leave is given State's attorney to endorse the names of John 
Dixon, Thomas Keagle, T. J. Shai'p and William Beertsall, on the indictment 
herein, as wilu<3sses for the prosecution, and upon motion of defendants' attorney, 
and petition filed, it is ordered that the venue in this cause be, and it is hereby 
changed to the county of Logan and State of Illinois, and that the clerk make up 
and transmit to the clerk of the Logan County Circuit Court a transcript of the 
record, and original papers herein. 

Thereafter, to-wit, on the 17th day of March, A. D. 1877, the same being one of 
the term days of the February term A. D. 1877, of said court, the following further 
proceedings were had in said cause, and entered of record, to-wit: 

The People, Plaintiff, ) 

vs. > Attempt to commit larceny. 

TeiTence Mullen and Jolm Hughes, alias, Defendants. ) 

And now comes the State's attorney and the defendants in proper person, and 
upon their motion the order changing the venue of this cause of Logan countv, 
Illinois, is set aside, and the defendants bail is fixed at thirty-five hundred doUai's 
each, and this cause is continued. 

The People, Plaintiffs, ) 

vs. |- Conspiracy. 

TeiTence MuUen and John Hughes, alias. Defendants. ) 

And now comes the State's attorney, and the defendants in proper person, and 
upon their motion the order changing the venue of this cause to Logan county, 
Illinois, is set aside, and the defendants' bail is fixed at three thousand dollars each, 
and this cause is continued. 

Thereafter, to-wit, on the 28th day of May, A. D. 1877, the same being one of 
the term days of the May term, A. D. 1877, of said court, the following fuither 
proceedings were had in said cause, and entered of record, to-wit: 



ATTEMPT TO STEAI^ THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 71 

The People, Plaintiffs, ) 

vs. [ Conspiracy. 

Ten-ence Mullen alias, and John Hughes alias, Defendants. ) 

And now comes the State's attorney and the defendants, each in proper person, 
and by counsel, and file their affidavit and enter their motion for a continuance 
herein, (said affidavit is in the words and figures following, to-wit): 
State of Illinois, ) 
Sangamon County. ) 

In the Cii-cuit Court— May Tenn, A. D. 1877. 



The People, 

vs. [- Conspiracy. 

TeiTence Mullen and John Hughes. 

Ten-ence Mullen and John Hughes, after first being duly sworn, on oath say, 
that they are the defendants in the above entitled cause, and that they cannot 
safely proceed to trial at the present term of this lionorable court, on account of 
the absence of A. F. Eyan, T. C. Latre, Henry Hughes, Daniel Hughes, Michael 
Hickey, Dennis Simmons, Davis (a policeman), Patrick CarUsle, Bridget Lewis, 
Frank Wilder, R. C. Bennett, James Shaw, James Carroll, Herbert Nelson, John P. 
Barnes, Boyington, of Boyington & Murphy, James Caroney, James C. Clare, 
Peter Carey, John Murphy, Joseph Shultz, Frank Hatch, James B. Kennedy, who 
are material witnesses for affiants on the trial of the above entitled cause. 

And affiants further say that they are informed that the witnesses for the prose- 
cution in this case will swear that the alleged conspiracy was concocted and en- 
tered into on the night of the 5th day of November last, at the house of one Sweg- 
les, at about the hour of 9 P. M. of said day, and that certain plans to rob the 
tomb of Abraham Lincoln were formed at that time, and which were aftenvards 
carried out at Springfield, Illinois, the affiants being there present, and taking part 
in said plans. 

Affiants expect to prove by said Patrick Ryan, James Carroll and James Ken- 
nedy, that affiants were not at any meeting at Swegles' house, or with the said 
SAvegles on the said night, and that they did not take part on said night in any 
meeting with the said Swegles, or any one else, for the purpose or in connection 
with any conspiracy to rob the tomb of said Lincoln, but that they were with the 
said witnesses during ah of said night until twelve o'clock of said night, and that 
affiants nor either of them saw or spoke to the said Swegles on the night in ques- 
tion. 

That said witnesses above named reside in the county of Cook, State of Illinois, 
except Daniel and Hemy Hughes, who live in Iroquois county, in this State. 
Affiants expect to prove by said Frank Hatch and Thomas McMann, that the said 
Swegles, about one year before the 7th day of last November, proposed to them to 
assist him in robbing the said tomb, and then stated to them that he was going to 
form a conspiracy to rob said tomb, and wanted them to take a part therein. 

Affiants expect to prove by said Shaw, that said SAvegles has been convicted of 
an infamous crime, and was confined for said offense in the State penitentiary of 
"Wisconsin. 

Affiants expect to prove by said Bennett, that they did not come to Springfield 
on the 7th day of November, to rob said tomb, but came here on lawful business. 

Affiants expect to prove by Bridget Lewis that the said Swegles offered her in 
consideration of two thousand dollars to be paid him, to secure the dischai'ged an 






72 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

acquittal of these affiants of tliis cliarge, and to furnisli evidence to show that this 
prosecution was concocted by one Tjaxell, a witness in this case. 

Affiants expect to prove hy the remainder of witnesses above named that they, 
the affiants, have hitlierto a good reputation for honesty in the city of Chicago, 
where they hved previous to the finding of this indictment, and that Tyrrell and 
Swegles, the principal witnesses in this case, are unworthy of belief. That on the 
day this cause was set for trial, affiants caused subpoenas, directed to the sheriff of 
Cook county, to be issued for said witnesses, except Kennedy, who promised 
affiants to attend as a witness in this cause, without subpoena. That they put said 
subpa?nas in the hands of Bridget Lewis, and sent her to Chicago on the first train 
after said cause was so set down for trial, with directions to put the same in the 
hands of the shei'iff of Cook county as soon as she ai'rived in Chicago, and use 
her utmost endeavors to have the same served. 

That they are informed and believe that the said Bridget Lewis has followed 
their directions, and that some of said witnesses have been served; but the sheriff 
of Cook coimty has not yet returned any of said subpoenas. That affiants know 
of no other witnesses by whom they can prove the facts above set forth. 

And affiants say they are not guilty of the crime charged in said indictment, and 
if tliey can procm-e the attendance of said witnesses, they can make their inno- 
cence appear beyond all question. 

That this application is not made for delay, but that justice may be done. 
Affiants further say that they gave said subpa?nas to said Bridget Lewis, because 
they beUeved she would give the matter her personal and earnest attention, and 
would see that each of said witnesses were found and served. That the said 
Bridget Lewis promised to pay the fare of each of said witnesses as were unable 
to pay their M^ay to this city. John Hughes, 

T. MtTLLEN. 

Subscribed and sworn to before me by John Hughes and T. Mullen, this 28th 
day of May, A. D. 1877. Jamrs A. Winston, Clerk. 

And .said motion and affidavit of defendants being now submitted and heard, and 
duly considered by the court, as well as the admission of the State's attoi-ney 
herein that the conspiracy alleged in said indictment was not formed at the house 
of Lewis C. Swegles, on the 5th day of November, A. D. 1876, or on the night of 
the 5th day of November, A. D. 1876, upon which admission, and the court being 
fully advised, said motion for a continuance of this cause is overruled and denied. 
To wliich decision of the court in overruling and denying their motion for a coii- 
tiiniance, said defendants, by their counsel, then and there excepted. And upon 
motion of the State's attorney, it is ordered that a special venire issue, directed 
to and commanding the sheriff to summon twenty-four good and lawful men to 
serve as petit jurors at the trial of this cause on to-morrow morning. 

Thereafter, to-wit, on May 29th, A. D. 1877, the same being one of the term 
days of the May Term, A D. 1877, of said court, the following further proceedings 
were had and entered of record, to-wit: 

The People, Plaintiff, ^ 

vs. 
Terrence Mullen, alias T. Duman, and John Hughes, alias J. Smith, 
Defendants. 

And now on this day come again the State's attorney, and the defendants, each 
in proper person as well as by counsel, and upon motion of the State's attorney, 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 73 

it is ordered that one additional venire issue, directed to and connnanding the- 
sheriff to summon twenty-four good and lawful men, to serve as petit jurors upon 
the trial of this cause, on the instant. 

And the said defendants, Terrence Mullen alias T. Duman, and John Hughes 
alias J. Smith, being brought to the bar of this court to answer unto the charge 
presented against them in the indictment herein. They having been furnished 
with a copy thereof, a list of the prosecuting witnesses and a list of the regular 
panel of jurors in attendance at the present week of this term, and said defend- 
ants being now ari-aigned for trial, and interrogated as to their guilt or innocence, 
for plea, each say they are not guilty, in manner and form as charged in the in- 
dictment, and issue being joined to try the guilt or innocence of the accused, then 
came by order of court and call of the clerk, a juiy of twelve men as follows: L. 
V. Johnson, Samuel Hammons, John Curran, Frank B. Ryan, Miles Granwell, J. 
H. Barrett, Archie Maxwell, Hobart T. Ives, D. M. Hamhn, Isaac Wallace, Thomas 
C. Jewell and Edward lies, who were selected, tried and sworn, well and truly to 
trj^ the issue joined and true verdict render according to the law and the evidence, 
and hearing the evidence in this cause having occupied the time of the court until 
the hour of the adjournment, the said juiy are placed in charge of an officer of the 
court, who for that purpose is first duly sworn, and the cause is continued until to- 
morrow morning. 

Thereafter, to-wit, on the 30th day of May, A. D. 1877, the following proceed- 
ings were had in said court, and entered of record, to-wit: 

The People, Plaintiff, ) 

vs. - Conspiracy. 

Terrence Mullen alias, and Jolm Hughes alias, Defendants. ) 

And now comes the State's attorney and the defendants in proper person as well 
as by counsel, and also the juiy heretofore empanneled and sworn herein, and on 
motion of State's Attorney leave is given him to endorse the names of Chartes 
Elkin and John Hamson on the indictment as witnesses for the People. And 
hearing the evidence in this cause having occupied the time of the Court until its 
adjournment, the said jury are' placed in charge of officers of the Court who, for 
that purpose, are first duly sworn, and the case is continued until to-morrow morn- 
ing. 

Thereafter, to-wit, on the 31st day of May, A. D. 1877, the foUowing further 
proceedings were had in said court, and entered of record, to-wit: 
Tlie People, Plaintiff, 



TeiTence Mullen alias T. Duman, and John Hughes alias J. Smith, f '^^ P^^''^ y* 
Defendants. J 

And now comes again the State's attorney, and the defendants, Terrance Mullen 
alias, and John Hughes alias, as well as the jury heretofore empanneled and sworn 
herein, and said juiy having now heard the evidence, arguments of counsel, and 
receiving the instructions of the Court, retired in charge of the officers of the Court, 
who for that purpose were first duly sworn to consider of their verdict, and said 
jur>- having deliberated and agreed, were by said oiflcers again brought into open 
Court and for their verdict say: "We the juiy find the defendants guilty as 
charged in the indictment, and fix the term of their confinement in the penitentiary 
at one year each. 



74 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN, 

Thereupon the defendants by their attorneys entered their motion in an-est of 
judgment, and for a new trial of tliis cause. 

Thereafter, to-wit, on the 2d day of June, A. D. 1877, the same being one of 
the term days of the May term, A. D. 1877, of said court, the followiug further 
proceedings were had in said cause, and entered of record, to-wit: 

The People, Plaintiff, "1 

TeiTence Mullen alias T. Durnan, and John Hughes alias J. Smith, [ Conspu-acy. 
Defendants. j 

And now again comes the State's Attorney and the defendants, Terrence Mullen 
alias T. Durnan, and John Hughes alias J. Smith, in proper person and by counsel 
also came, and the court now hearing the motion in arrest of judgment, and for a 
new trial of this cause, and the defendants having nothing further to say, said 
motion is overruled and denied. 

Therefore, it is ordered and adjudged by the Court that the defendants, Ten-ence 
Mullen alias T. Durnan, and Jolm Hughes alias J. Smith, be confined in the peni- 
tentiaiy of the State of Illinois at Joliet, for the term of one year each, one day 
of which is to be in solitary confinement, and the balance at hard labor, and that 
they pay the costs of this prosecution, and that fee bill execution issue therefor. 

It is further ordered that the Sheriff of Sangamon county convey the bodies of 
said defendants to the penitentiary aforesaid, and deliver them to the proper offi- 
cers in chai'ge thereof. 

State of IiiLiNOS, ) 
Sangamon County, f 

I, E. E. Roberts, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Sangamon County, in the State 
aforesaid, and keeper of the records and files of said Court, do hereby certifj^ the 
above and forego'ng to be true, perfect and complete copy of the proceedings of 
said court, in a certain cause in said Court, on the criminal side thereof, wherein 
the People of the State of Illinois are plaintiffs, and Teri-ence Mullen alias, and 
Jolm Hughes alias, are defendants, as the same appear from the records and files 
of said Court now in my office remaining. 

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of 

[SEAii.] said Court, at Springfleld, this 30th day of August, A. D. 1884. 

E. E. Egberts, Clerk. 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 75 



DIVISION SIXTH 



Precautions to Protect the Eemains from further Attempts at Eobbeiy— The Lin- 
coln Guai-d of Honor— The Custodian Warned of Danger— The Body Identi- 
fied Twenty-two years after Death — Final Burial— Custodian's Historical and 
Descriptive Statements to Visitors— The Eemains now Absolutely Safe. 



Having disposed of the thieves, we will return to the re- 
mains of Mr. Lincoln. The following historical statement 
properly belongs to the Eighth Memorial Service, held by The 
Lincoln Guard of Honor, because a synopsis of it was read 
as part of that service by one of our members, but it is more 
in harmony with the design of this work, to have the account 
of our labors in guarding the body of Lincoln, immediately 
follow the history of the attempt to steal it. 

It is a matter of history that after the funeral journey of 
nearly seventeen hundi-ed miles, through hundreds of towns 
and cities, travehng night and day, from Washington- City to 
Springfield, Illinois, the body of President Lincoln was de- 
posited in the public receiving vault in Oak Ridge Cemetery, 
Thursday, May 4, 1865. 

One week from that day. May 11, 1865, the National Lin- 
coln Monument Association was organized for the j^urpose of 
erecting a monument to the memor^^ of Abraham Lincoln, 
late President of the United States of America. 

Their first work was to build a temporary vault {see map 
of Monument grounds) on the grounds secured for the monu- 
ment, and about seventy-five yards from the receiving tomb 
in a southeast direction, and half-way up the slope of the 
bluff. The body was removed to that vault December 21, 
1865. 

"In process of transferring the remains, the box containing 
the coffin was opened, in order that the features of the de- 
ceased might be seen and identified; and six of his personal 



76 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF Ll^'COLN. 

acquaintances— R. J. Oglesby, O. H. Miner, Jesse K. Dubois, 
Newton Bateman, 0. M. Hatch and D. L. Phillips— filed a 
written statement with the Secretary of the Association that 
it was the body of Abraham Lincoln." 

The Monument was so far advanced that the remains of 
Thomas Lincoln, a son of President Lincoln, Avho died in Chi- 
cag-o, July 15, 1871, were broug-ht to Springfield, and depos- 
ited in the crypt at the extreme west, on the 17th of the 
month; and the remains of the President and his two sons, 
AVilliam and Edward, were removed from the temporary 
vault, September 19, 1871, and deposited in the Monument. 
The six personal friends of Mr. Lincoln, who identified his re- 
nmins on the occasion of their being deposited in the tempo- 
rary vault, again viewed them, and again certified in wri ting- 
that it was the body of xVbraham Lincoln. Both papers are 
on file with the Secretary of the National Lincoln Monument 
Association, the evidence of identity is thus far unbroken. 

Preparatory to moving the body from the vault to the 
monument, in 1871, it was taken out of the original cofiin 
because the lead lining was broken, and put in one made of 
iron. When the sarcophagus was made, it Avas found that 
the iron coffin with the lid projecting over the ends, was too 
long to go into it. Then the cofiin of red cedar was made, 
and heavily lined with lead, to which the body was trans- 
ferred on the ninth of October, 1871. Hon. D. L. Phillips, 
— since deceased, — a member of the National Lincoln JNIonu- 
ment Association, was present. There was no formal record 
made of the identity of the body, but ]\Ir. Phillips, Thomas 
C. Smith, the undertaker, and Col. Babcock, who put the lead 
lininf in the cofiin, all distinctly recognized the features as 
those of Abraham Lincoln. 

'\Vhen Ihe thieves visited the National Lincoln Monument, 
on the evening of November 7, 1876, for the purpose of steal- 
ing the body of President Lincoln, concealing and holding it 
until the}^ could extort a ransom of two hundred thousand 
dollars from the people of the United States of America, they 
found the marble sarcophagus containing his body, as 
seen in the engraving of the sarcophagus restoredj The 
sarcophagus is inside the catacomb, a room at the north end 
of the monument. The catacomb is in the form of the exact 
half of a circle twenty-four feet in diameter. The door from 



ATTEMPT TO STEAT. THE BODY OF EINCOEN. 77 

which this view is taken, is in the centre of the outer circle. 
As will he seen, the end of the sarcophagus bears the word 
^'^LIXCOLN," in largo, raised letters surrounded by an oaken 
wreath, and outside of that a quotation from his last in- 
augural address, "With malice towards none, with charity 
for all," the whole raised in the marble. Another engraving 
shows the sarcophagus as the thieves left it, looking at it fi-om 
the same point in the door of the catacomb. Everything was 
permitted to r-emain as the thieves left it from the night of 
November 7th until the afternoon of Thursday, Xovendjer 
9th. In the forenoon of that day the writer went to Hon 
John T. Stuart, chairman of the Executive Committee of the 
National Lincoln ^lonument Association, and former law 
partner of jMr. Lincoln, to ascertain what was to be done 
about repairing the damage done by the vandals. ]\Ir. Stuart 
said he would send men out, and wished me, as Custodian of 
the Monument, to co-operate with whoever came to do the 
work. Late in the afternoon Mr. Adam Johnston, then a 
marble dealer in Springfield for more than tirty-five years, 
and one of its most respected business men and citizens, came 
out with two workmen. The coffin is made of narrow strips 
of red cedar, on a frame work of wood, and ])ut together 
Avith brass screws from the outside. The first thing we did 
was to examine those screws, and finding the creases in each 
and every one of them filled Avith rust or verdigris, we ac- 
cepted that as conclusive evidence that the thieves did not 
get any nearer the body than the Avood coffin, and that the 
lead on inside of that had neA^er been broken. Then we put 
all back in the marble sarcophagus, closed and cemented it 
just as the thicA^es found it on the Tuesday eA'ening before. 
Mr. Johnston and myself were the only ones present who 
paid any attention to the condition of the coffin and sarco- 
phagus. His two workmen seemed to understand the English 
language imperfectly, and simply did what they were told to 
do, Avithout asking any questions. There were none of the 
mem'bers of the ^Monument Association present. 

Six days later, Wednesday, NoA^ember 15, 1876, Hon. John 
T. Stuart came to the Monument and told the writer that he 
could not sleep for thinking how unsafe it was for the remains 
of Mr. Lincoln to be thus exposed, that the executiA^e com- 
mittee had determined to make a change, that ^Ir. Adam 



78 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LI^TOLN. 

Johnston would come again with his workmen, and that he 
desired me to co-operate with him again. Mr. Johnston came 
with the same workmen, late in the afternoon, opened the 
sarcophagus, drew the coffin out, lay it in the north west 
curve of the wall of the catacomb, so close to the wall that 
it could not be seen from the outside door, and closed the 
sarcophagus again, cementing all the joints. Mr. Johnston 
dismissed his assistants, and in a short time went away him- 
self. It so happened that on both occasions when the work- 
men were engaged on the sarcophagus, there was not a visi- 
tor appeared, and if there had been it would have made but 
little difference, for there was a rule then not to admit visi- 
tors inside the catacomb. The thought did not occm- to the 
Custodian, during the two days that ever^^-ihing was per- 
mitted to remain as the thieves left them, nor at the subse- 
quent opening of the sarcophagus to have a photograph 
taken of the situation. The engraving of the broken sarco- 
phagus was copied from a drawing, made by an architect, 
from what he could see and from descriptions given him. It 
was certified to as essentially correct by several citizens who 
saw the wreck. 

At nightfall, according to previous arrangement, Mr. John- 
ston returned, and the three members of the Executive Com- 
mittee, Hon. John T. Stuart, Colonel John Wilhams and 
Jacob Bunn, arrived about the same time. The Custodian, 
in anticipation of their coming, remained in waiting. We five 
then carried the coffin from the catacomb, around the east 
side of the monument, to Memorial Hall, and deposited it on 
some timbers inside near the base of the obelisk, at the point 
marked A, in the Ground Plan. 

Arrangements were made by the Executive Committee with 
Mr. Johnston to have a box made to enclose the coffin, and 
that he and the Custodian Avere to put the coffin in the box 
and bury all. He brought the box in pieces, so as to avoid 
observation, put it together inside the Monument, and by 
la;\dng it on the side, we were able to work the coffin into it, 
turn it on its back and put on the lid. This for two men, 
was a laborious operation, for there was so much and such 
thick lead used in making the lining or inside coffin, that the 
weight is about 500 pounds. The Custodian relieved Mr. 
Johnston from further assisting him, and undertook to bury 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 79 

it alone. It was a most villainous atmosphere to breathe, 
for in the ori<>-inal construction there was no. provision made 
for ventilation. Pieces of scantling- and plank left in there 
when the monument was enclosed not more than seven or 
eight years before, were so completely decayed that it could 
be crumbled to dust between the fingers. 

The Custodian spent many hours and half hours digging, 
and when he would hear steps on the terrace overhead would 
extinguish lights, go out, give Avhatever attention might be 
required from visitors, and return to the work, for he had 
not then any assistant, and it would not do to trust a chance 
laborer he might have on the grounds. The entire locahty 
proved to have been saturated with water from leakage in 
the terrace, and without the slightest opportunity for ventil- 
ation. With the increasing depth it grew worse, and the 
terrace was leaking at every rain. The Custodian reported 
the situation to jNIr. Stuart, who suggested that the coffin be 
permitted to remain on the timbers where it was, and covered 
with plank, which was done. That was in the latter part of 
November, or early in December, 1876. The Custodian re- 
garded that as only a temporary disposal of the matter, and 
fully expected to have further orders with reference to it in a 
short time^ The following from the only two members of 
the Executive Committee now living, and from the man 
emploj^ed to do the work, speaks for itself,: 

"We, whose names are hereunto annexed, do hereby certify 
that the parts we each individually acted in the removal of 
the remains of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United 
States, for the purpose of securing greater safety, are truly 
set forth in the preceding statement. 

"John Williams, 
"Jacob Bunn, 

'■'■Executive Committee. 
"A. Johnston." 

During the summer and autumn of 1877, the infantry and 
naval groups of statuary were placed on the monument. The 
man who superintended that work was employed to take 
down and rebuild the outer walls at the southeast corner of 
the terrace, and at some other points. In doing the latter 
work it was necessary for him to go inside, under the terrace, 



80 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

near where the coffin lay. The Custodian had in his own 
employ, temporarily, with the consent of the Executive Com- 
mittee, a man to assist him part of each day, in order that he 
might complete some literary work commenced before he took 
charge of the ^lonument. He furnished this assistant with a 
key to the back door of Memorial Hall, that the superintend- 
ent of the work might be admitted during his absence. He 
knew that those two men would be almost certain to discover 
the coffin, and he did not think it would be prudent to let 
them do so accidentally. After appealing to their honor, and 
receiving a pledge of secrecy from each, in a way that one 
with the smallest particle of manhood would have respected 
if it had cost him his i-ight arm, the Custodian took them to 
it. In less than forty-eight hours he heard enough, through 
them, down in the city, to convince him that his confidence 
had been betrayed by each of them in a half-suppressed way. 
In utter mortification and chagrin, he reported the facts to 
Maj. John T. Stuart, and asked for instructions. Mr. Stuart 
said that the w^eather was so hot and the atmosphere in there 
W'as so bad that it would be impossible for the members of 
the Association, all elderly men, to do anything^ then, and 
there were no instructions given. The Custodian thought it 
better to ignore the treachery of the man assisting him than 
to openly charge him with it, and thereby make it more 
pubhc. Perhaps it is owing to that fact that it never found 
its way into the newspapers from that source. 

The body of the great merchant, A. T. Stewart, of New York 
city was stolen from its tomb, between nine o'clock on the 
evening of November six, and daylight on the morning of 
November seventh, 1878; within twonty-four hours of two 
years from the time the attempt had been made to capture 
the remains of President Lincoln. On hearing the news of the 
success of the thieves in the Stewart case, all minds involun- 
tarily turned to the tomb of Lincoln, and the question came 
from every tongue, is the body of Lincoln safe? Will there 
be another attempt to steal it? 

On the first day of November, 1879, the evidence came to 
the Custodian unsought, that beyond a doubt the man who, 
while acting as his assistant, had so shamefully betrayed the 
secret as to where the remains of President Lincoln were con- 
cealed, had been systematically steahng, both of the funds 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LIXf'OLX. 81 

collected for the adniittance of vi.sitoi's, and of what he had 
received from sales of hooks and pictures for the Custodian. 
Instead of disniissins;- liini in a summary manner, the Custo- 
dian was quietly arranging his business so as to do without 
an assistant, and was nearly ready when the news came that 
the body of A. T. Stewart had been stolen and held for a 
ransom; and this villain was still in possession of the secret 
with regard to Lincoln's body, for there had not been any 
change in the situation. His feelings may be imagined. 
There was one man only to whom he felt at liberty to speak 
on the subject, Hon. John T. Stuart. When he was unable 
longer to bear the suspense, he went to Mr. Stuart and laid 
the facts before him, and implored him to do something, ex- 
pecting that he would summon the other members of the ex- 
ecutive committee, and a sufficient number of the memljers 
of the Monument Association, to make all safe. Mr. Stuart 
reminded the Custodian of that which he already knew, namely : 
that what Mr. Stuart had done before in the first removal of 
the body, had disabled him and made it difficult for him to 
get about for months; and that the other members of the 
Association were many of them nearly as old as himself. 

Mr. Stuart then placed the entire responsibility' in his hands, 
by sajdng that he must select men whom he could trust, and 
have them assist in making all secure. The Custodian had 
before that sustained such relations to Major Gustavus S.Dana 
and Gen. Jasper N. Reece, as suggested to his mind that they 
Avere the right ones to begin with; he immediately called upon 
them and made a statement of the situation. The three at 
once invited Joseph P. Lindley, Edward S. Johnson and 
James F. McNeill to join them. All six agreed to meet at the 
corner of Monroe and Fifth streets at eight o'clock that 
evening, and take the Fifth street cars for the Monument. 
The Custodian had made all necessary preparations in the 
way of lamps, spades, shovels, rollers, and a sufficient quan- 
tity of two-inch plank to bridge the chasms between the foun- 
dation walls, which Avere in some places from three to five 
feet deep, though they are noAV all filled u]j to a level with 
the ground outside.. They moved the cofiin with its contents 
to the point marked B, in the ground plan, dug a receptacle - 
of sufficient depth to receive the coffin and box, and admit of 
several inches of earth over all. The cramped space in which 



02 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

the woi-k was done, and the bad atmosphere, made it yerv 
laborious. It was about twelve o'clock, midnight, when we 
got the coffin and box in the receptacle, and all were so tired, 
that the Custodian volunteered to relieve the others by agree- 
ing that the next morning he would fill up the cavity, and 
remove all traces of their work. AVhen Mr. Dana returned to 
his store, very late that night, he made a hasty diagram of 
the spot where the body was, and its surroundings, and wrote 
the following: 

"SpmNGFiELD, III., Nov. 18, 1878. 
"By request of the Custodian, J. C. Power, and in view of 
the late stealing of the remains of A. T. Stewart, now held 
for a reward, and the attempted stealing of the remains of 
our honored late Commander-in-Chief, J. C. Power, Jasper N. 
Reece, Joseph P. Lindley, Edward S. Johnson, James F. Mc- 
Neill and myself, did this night remove the remains of Abra- 
ham Lincoln from the place the^^ had been secreted since the 
attempt to steal them, to a place of greater safety, and 
buried them about six inches deeper than the depth of the 
case. They were taken from the place marked A and buried 
at the place marked B, ground plan. This memoiandum is 
made b}^ me at the suggestion of one of our number, that if 
we were all taken away no one would know where the re- 
mains were, and some one opening the sarcophagus and find- 
ing it vacant, might raise a hue and cry that this would 
avoid. If this comes into the hands of any person other than 
one of those named above, let that person consider it as 
sacred as though the secret had been confided to him pur- 
posely, and at once place it in the hands of one of those 
above named, commencing with the first and follow through 
the list, but if all are dead, place it in the hands of the Gov- 
ernor of the State of Illinois." 

"GusTAvus S. Dana." 

The names of those Mr. Dana wished it delivered to were 
written on the back of the envelope in the following order: 
J. C. Power, J. N. Reece, J. P. Lindley, E. S. Johnson and 
J. F. McNeill. j\Ir. Dana sealed the package and put it in 
his safe. 

The morning of November 19, 1878, found the city over- 
flowing with visitors, to the number of seven hundi'ed dele- 
gates, and visiting brethren, making a total of at least one 



ATTEMPT TO .STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 83 

thoiLsand in attendance on the Illinois State Grand I.odoo of 
Odd Fellows, which was to convene that nioi-ning- in the 
Capitol. The Custodian found them in lai'<>e nunibei-s at the 
moiuunent early in the nioining, waiting- for admittance. Not 
having any person to take the place of his treacherous assis- 
tant, he could not give any attention to his mail matter. 
That day, the 20th and 21st of the month, he was almost 
overwhelmed with visitors from dajdight until dark. Among 
his letters he received a postal card on the moi-ning of the 
21st, and thrust all into an outside pocket. After a most 
laborious day at the monument, until it was too late to show 
visitors around, he went down into the city, two miles, by 
street car, attended to some business matters, and returned 
home, near the monument, exceedingly tired. As the last thing 
before retiring, he commenced a hasty look at his mail mat- 
ter which had accumulated. His surprise may be imagined 
when on looking at the card he had thrust with other mat- 
ter, unread, in his pocket in the morning, he found it post- 
marked "Chicago, Nov. 18—11 A. M.," and addressed, "J. C. 
Power, Esq., Custodian Lincoln Monument, Springfield, Illi- 
nois." On the other side M^as the message: 

"Be careful. Do not be alone, particularly Thursday night, 
Nov. 21st. 

"Nov. 18, '78. C." 

This was the night, and it was now 10 o'clock. It was 
quite dark, and he had been out all the evening. If thei-e 
was any danger, he had already unconsciously taken the risk, 
with the warning in his pocket. It M'as a physical impossi- 
bihty for him to do anything that night. He thought of 
the cavity with Lincoln's coffined remains in it uncovered, 
for he had been utterly unable to so much as go in where it 
was. But little sleep came to his eyes that night. With the 
dawn of the morning he was at the monument. All Avas safe 
He breathed more freely. Is there real danger? Is there 
another scheme to capture the remains of Lincoln? Or is 
some one trying to play a joke he can never enjoy except in 
silence? These were some of the questions that naturally j^re- 
sented themselves. He has never had a solution of them, 
and never expects to. 

Having satisfied himself that all was safe, the Custodian 
left the visitors to look out for themselves, hastened to Dana 



84 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

and Reece, and informed them of the anonymous card of 
warning, and that in consequence of his being alone, and so 
many strangers in the city, he had not found time or oppor- 
tunity^ to cover the coffin as he agreed to, and asked them 
to see the other gentlemen who had assisted on the night of 
the eighteenth, and ask them to come again, as it would 
be too hazardous to let another night pass ^vithout remov- 
ing all evidence of where the remains of the President lay. 
Lindley was not in the city, and Johnson and McNeill were 
so engaged that neither of them could possibly come. Dana 
and Reece, both leaving their everyday business, all the more 
pressing because of the great influx of strangers in the city, 
appeared in the afternoon, and finding the Custodian still 
busy waiting upon visitors, whom to attempt to put off with- 
out a reason would have given great offense, and to have 
given a reason would have exposed that which, above all 
things, it was absolutely necessary to keep secret; they mag- 
nanimously excused the Custodian, and in the stifling atmosr 
phere labored until everything was absolutely secure. They 
left all the approaches to the remains in such a condition 
that if any intruder should ever reach the spot, he could 
harm nothing, and the fact of his having been there could 
easily be detected. On i-eturniug to the city IMr. Dana wrote 
the following statement: 

"Sprin&field, III., Nov. 22, 1878. 
*'At three o'clock P. M. to-day. Gen. Reece and G. S. Dana, 
at the solicitation of J. C. Power, proceeded to the Lincoln 
Monument, and covered the coflin of Abraham Lincoln, which 
we had, on the 18th iuKtant, buried as before noted, but had 
left unfinished for Mv. Power to cover and remove traces. 
He had not had time, and having received an anonymous 
communication from Chicago, warning him to be careful and 
not be alone, was afraid another attempt would be made to 
remove the body. After having done the Avork, and before 
removing the plank we had used for bridges from wall to 
wall, on making careful search of the place, we found in the 
second opening, beyond that where the body now lies, soft 
earth, and traces, as we thought, of recent digging. Upon 
digging down two spades depth, we found an iron coffin, and 
were at once impressed with the belief that since the eighteenth 
instant, some one had taken the body out of the coffiu and 



A.TTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF EINTOLN, 85 

buried it in said place to be removed at some future time. 
So to make sure, we uncovered tlie coffin we had just buried, 
took off the top of the outer box, and found the cedar coffin 
which enclosed the lead case that the remains are in, intact,, 
no signs of screws having been removed, and the fungus on. 
the corners where it would have been parted by taking off the 
cover, was intact, so we replaced the cover, and covered all 
with earth again, carefully scraping the earth to remove the 
foot-prints, scattered bricks and debris over the top, to look 
as though left that way by the builders of the monument. 
We then moved all the plank and pieces of wood from the 
inner vaults, and that evening learned from Major Stuart, 
that the iron coffin found, was one Lincoln's body was in be- 
fore placing it in the lead receptacle, but it proved to be too 
long to go in the marble sarcophagus." 

"GusTAviis S. Dana. 

Mr. Dana put the preceding in an envelope, sealed it, and 
made the same request on the outside, as to whom to deliver 
it, in the event of his death, that he had on the first. 

We regarded ourselves as being there by authority from an 
officer of the National Lincoln Monument Association, doing- 
work that it was absolutely necessary should be done, and 
which the members of the Association were physically unable 
to do. The importance of keeping from the general public, 
all knowledge of the precautions taken for the safety of the 
remains will readily be admitted. We therefore took and gave 
a solemn assurance of, and to each other, in the earl3' part 
of our proceedings, to keep a knowledge of what we were do- 
ing to ourselves, until there could be no danger from a reve- 
lation of them, always excepting the fact that we were acting 
in subordination to the Lincoln Monument Association, and 
that what we were doing should be communicated to them 
whenever they desired it. 

The importance of being prepared to do our work thor- 
oughly, impressed itself on the minds of the six men who had, 
in a special sense, become the guardians of Lincoln's remains 
from vandal hands. Our minds gradually crystalized around 
the idea of a secret organization for that purpose. There is 
an old adage, that when it is known there is a secret, it is 
already half revealed. Therefore, it would not have been ad- 
visable to org-anize unless the fact that there was an oro-ani- 



86 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OP LINCOLN. 

zation for such a purpose could be kept secret, or its object 
concealed. To accomplish the latter it became necessary to 
put forward some other than the real reason for our organi- 
zation. The idea of conducting Memorial Services on the an- 
niversaries of his birth and death were pleasing thoughts to 
us, and we could publicly do that if nothing else. Our sym- 
pathies as a part of the great ximerican people, our reverence 
for his great name, and more than willingness to aid in keep- 
ing green the laurel wreath on the brow of his fame, led us 
to act in concert. As the most feasible method of putting 
our thoughts into practical shape, we determined to organ- 
ize under legal forms. With this object in view, the six men 
already named invited three others, Noble B. Wiggins, Hor- 
ace Chapin and Clinton L. Conkling, the three latter meeting 
Avith the other six, for the first time, in order to effect a.n 
organization. For an account of the organization see Divi- 
sion Seventh. 

Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln died Sunday evening, July 16, 
1882, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. Ninian W. Edwards, 
in the house where she had been married Nov. 4, 1842, to 
Abraham Lincoln. Wednesday, July 19, 1882, all the nine 
members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled at the 
catacomb of the Monument. We had, with others, aided in 
making preparations for the funeral, under direction of the 
citizens' committee of arrangements, and at the same time 
quietly attended to such things as were likely to be over- 
looked by others, especially in guarding the entrance to the 
catacomb, that the magnificent floral tributes might not be 
disturbed or thoughtlessly marred in any way. Each of us 
wore the badge of our society, which led many to suppose 
that we had charge of the funeral, which was not the case. 
The remains of Mrs. Lincoln, in a double lead-lined, air-tight 
coffin, were deposited that day in the crypt No. 4, in the 
catacomb, but the panels were only in part put in. 

Friday, July 21, 1882, in the forenoon, Hon. John T. 
Stuart, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the National 
Lincoln Monument Association, made known to both the 
President and Secretary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 
that it was the desire of the Hon. Robert T. Lincoln that we 
assemble in the night time, take the remains of his mother 
out of the crypt and deposit them beside the body of his 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 87 

father. Notice was accordinglj given to the meinbsrs, and 
that evening at 10 o'clock we assembled at the monument. 
There were 

Present — Dana, Reece, Power, Lindley, JNIcNeill, Johnson, 
Chapin and Conkling. 

Absent — ]Mr. Wiggins. Yery much to his and our regret, he 
was out of the city, and could not be reached in time. 

We took the body of Mrs. Lincoln out of crypt No. 4, in 
the catacomb, where it had been placed two days before, car- 
ried it around outside the monument, into and through Me- 
morial Hall, dug a receptacle for and placed it by the side of 
the body of her husband, at the point marked B, in the 
ground plan, leaving the earth over both in such a condition 
that it would not be suspected that anything was buried 
there. The circumscribed limits in which we did the work and 
the foul atmosphere, from a total want of ventilation, which 
we had all endured a number of times before, was doubly op- 
pressive in consequence of the intense heat of the weather. 
We completed the work about 2 o'clock Saturday morning, 
July 22, 1882. The Custodian had but a short walk to reach 
his home. But when the other seven started on foot to their 
homes from two to three miles distant in the city, it was a 
weary procession, for each one was almost exhausted. It was 
especially trying to Captain Horace Chapin, who had left one 
of his legs on the battle-field of Chickamauga early in the 
war to suppress the slave-holders' rebellion. 

Robert T. Lincoln, who was then Secretary of War, was in- 
formed by Major Stuart that the work of removal had been 
done in compliance with his request. A few days later one of 
our members received the following letter intended for The 
Lincoln Guard of Honor: 

Washington, July 26, 1882. 
CijTnton L. ConkXiIng, Esq.: 

Mij Dear Friend. — On my I'etuni here I find a letter from Major Stuart advising 
me that you and the other gentlemen of Tlie Guard of Honor, have laid me under 
a great obligation by carrying out the wisli I ex^jressed to him that my mother's 
body shoiild be placed beside my father's, so that there can be no danger of a spo- 
hation. It is a great satisfaction to Imow that such an act is now impossible, and 
I think it wiU be best that no change should be made for a long time to come. 

I cannot adequately thank you and the other gentlemen for personally doing 
this, so that the object should be fully attained; but I beg you and them to be as- 
sured that I appreciate the kind act. Believe me to be sincerely yours, 

RoBEBT T. Lincoln. 



88 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

This seemed to dispel any prospect of an early change, and 
doubtless made the members of the Monument Association 
less sohcitous on the subject than the^^ would otherwise have 
been. 

Hon. John T. Stuart died Nov. 28, 1885. The first draft 
of this historical paper was read to him a short time before 
his death, in order that he niig'ht correct any errors it con- 
tained. In conversation with President Dana and the Secre- 
tary, at different times, he pronouced it correct, so far as it 
related to his own actions. 

()n the morning of February 5, 1884, the Custodian came 
to the monument earlier than he had done for several weeks, 
because there was a State organization called "Mutual A'id," 
to convene in the capitol that day, and he knew, from expe- 
rience, that at such times the delegates visited the monument 
earlier than visitors usually do. The sun had not risen, and 
there was barely sufficient light for him to see the lines in the 
register, and he was writing the heading for the day, when 
he heard a tremendous crash. Hastily ligliting a lamp, he 
went through the back door of Memorial Hall, and found 
that a brick arch seventy feet long, spanning the five and a 
half feet space between the outer wall on the east side and 
the next one to it on the inside, had fallen, except about ten 
feet at each end, leaving the heavy flag-stones that form the 
ten-ace without any visible support at the outer wall. A child 
walking on it would have taken all down, and yet it did not 
move. Fearing that some visitors would come and get on it 
before supports could be put under, he hastened to carry 
lumber and used the pieces for barriers to keep any person 
from going on the weak place. He had labored with all his 
strength for about three-quarters of an hour, when a car on 
the Citizens' Street Railway landed twelve or thirteen of the 
expected delegates at the monument. The Custodian is fully 
convinced that if he had been three minutes later getting to 
the monument he Avould not have heard the crash, and would 
have led those men exactly on that weak spot, and they 
Avould all have gone down with him into a chasm fifty feet 
long, five and a half feet wide and twenty feet deep, where 
they would have been crushed and mangled by those great 
fiag-stones, and many of us would have met instant death. 
1 never think of the events of that morning without a feeling 



A.TTEMPT TO STEAT^ THE BODY OF T.TNCOLN, 89 

of astonishmeut that the people of our State do not demand 
lejj'islation holding any and all architects, contractors, and 
superintendents fiuiltv of nian-slauohter Avho, through igno- 
rance, incompetence or greed of gain, constructs a building 
that falls and causes loss of human life. 

In reconstructing the work dui'ing the summer of 1884, it 
was determined to remed^^ the defect in the ventilation. In or- 
der to do this, it was necessary to cut an opening in the 
three feet and a half brick wall between the point marked B, 
in the ground plan, and the foundation of the obelisk. That 
made a convenient thoroughfare for the workmen, and dur- 
ing all that summer they were every day walking over the 
dead bodies of President Lincoln and his wife. To have said 
anything against it, or to have put a barrier in the way, 
would have been a hint that might have been caught up 
by some unprincipled workman, while it was all open, and 
would have led to consequences that it would not be pleasant 
to contemplate. Therefore the desecration was permitted by 
the Custodian to go on without protest. 

There are few men and women who have not at some time 
been called upon to keep a secret already half revealed, or 
subseijuently revealed by the party or parties interested, 
without first absolving them from the obligation of secrecy, 
who does not know how awkward the position is. But that 
is nothing compared Avitli having to do that many times a 
day for weeks and months and years, as the Custodian of the 
Lincoln Monument has done, and during the whole of that 
time he has been abused unmercifully because he would not 
permit himself to be catechised by every upstart wdio repre- 
sented himself as a reporter for the press. This, too, when 
secrecy was the only protection against a repetition of the 
attempt to steal the Ijody. 

There has not a day passed but he has been called upon to 
parry the prying questions of one or more who have had a 
hint before coming that the body was not in the sarcophagus. 
To all such he has invariably said: "We put it back there 
the second day after the attempt to steal it," which is stricth^ 
true. If they questioned further he would say, "I suppose 
3''ou wish to know if there is not further danger, if so, I 
can assure you that it is absolutely safe." To any further 
—6 



90 ATTE^rPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

questions he would say: "If I was to explain what precau- 
tions have been taken to make it safe, it w^ould not be so 
any longer, and I would prove myself unwortliy of the con- 
fidence reposed in me." There he was accustomed to dismiss 
the subject, and visitors were generally satisfied, but whether 
they Avere or not, he would stop and let them do the talking. 
This in substance was to do over and over for years, and 
the Custodian never in a single instance permitted himself 

TO BE betrayed INTO SAYING THAT THE BODY OF MR. LINCOLN 

WAS IN THE SARCOPHAGUS WHEN IT WAS NOT, uor that the body 
of Mrs. Lincoln was in the crypt where the people saw it 
deposited, after it was removed inside the monument. 

The undignified position occupied by the remains of the 
most beloved ruler any nation ever had, and the obligations 
the Custodian* felt resting upon him to treat as a secret that 
which was practically^ open, although the exact truth was 
not revealed, has unnecessarily added to his labors and re- 
sponsibilities. He hoped that the Monument Association 
would inaugurate measures to have a steel casket -made so 
hard and strong and ponderous that it could not be broken 
nor removed, without exposing the vandals to detection and 
capture, w^ho might attempt to rob it. The thought that 
himself and those who had so unselfishly and with such arduous 
toil cooperated with him in protecting the remains from 
further desecration, might pass away and leave all knowledge 
of their labors in a chaotic state, to be written up with all 
manner of absurd statements, by jiarties who could not know 
the truth, was so repugnant to his feelings that he became 
persistent in his pleadings that something should be done to 
preserve a truthful histor^^ while the parties were all living, 
who alone could give it. He knew that the treasury of the 
Monument Association was Avithout funds and that nothing 
could be done that involved any considerable outlay of 
money. 

Hon. Lincoln Dubois, knowing the feehng of the Custodian, 
and to some extent entertaining similar views, made the 
first move towards accomplishing the object desired. At a 
meeting of the Lincoln Monument Association, may 12, 1886, 
he oftered a resolution which was adopted, that "The Executive 
Committee is instructed to cause the remains of Mr. Lincoln 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 91 

to be definitely and finally deposited within the monument 
as they may designate." 

The summer and autumn passed without anything* being- 
done. In order that something practical might be done 
before another summer, the Custodian conversed with some 
of the members of the Executive Committee as to how it 
should be accomplished. It was determined to bury the 
body of Mr. Lincoln inside the Catacomb, exactly in the 
centi-e, with head towards the south, directly' under ^vllere 
the .sarcophagus had stood for years and probably will stand 
much longer; the body of Mrs. Lincoln to be at the east 
side of her husband, the receptacle to be sufficiently large to 
receive both, with the outside enclosures containing them. 
The Custodian next consulted a builder and received the 
following : 

"Springfield, III., Feb. 8, 1887. 
"Mr. J. C. Power, Custodian Lincoln Monument : 

"Dear Sir: I will excavate a pit at the monument five feet 
wide, seven and a half feet long and six feet deep, wall around 
same, with an eighteen-inch wall of hard-burned brick laid in 
good cement mortar, concrete between the walls, so as to fill 
the pit with a solid mass. Take up and relay floor over the 
same and remove all rubbish made by said work for the sum 

of dollars. Yours, etc., 

Jos. 0. Irwin. 

The following endorsement was written upon it, and a ver- 
bal order given the Custodian to have the work done: 

"We, the undersigned, approve of this work. 

"Geo. N. Black, 
"John Williams, 
"C. C. Brown, 
"James C. Conkling, 
"John W". Bunn. 

*"Executive Committee of the Lincoln Monument Association.''^ 



* It is proper to note the fact that the National Lincoln Monument Association 
was reorganized May 9, 1885, and tlie name changed to the Lincoln Monument 
Association. The Executive Committee has but one member — Col. John Williams 
— who was in it when the attempt was made to steal the body. 



92 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

Ground was broken Monday morning, April 11, 1887, and 
by mntual agTeement the Custodian of the monument, being 
also secretary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, was instructed 
to notify all the members of both societies to meet at the 
monument at 9 o'clock on the morning of April 14, 1887, to 
witness the exhuming and reburial of the bodies of Abraham 
Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. It was not neces- 
sary^ to write notices to the members of The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor, for it was at a meeting when all the members, except 
those who were out of the State, were present, that , the 
arrangements were made ; but to each of the members of the 
Lincoln Monument Association, a note was sent, on Tuesday, 
the 12th, stating the day and hour when the removal would 
take place. The whole tenor of the note indicated that it was 
expected to be strictly private and confidential. On the 
morning of the 14th, an article appeared in one of our city 
papers revealing the fact that a clue had been obtained. 
Speaking of what, until then, was merely guessed at as a 
secret burial, the writer says: "This mystery is now about 
to be removed. The Lincoln Memorial Association, — meaning 
The Lincoln Guard of Honor, — a local organization, which 
has for some years held appropriate services on the fifteenth^ 
of April, annually, will make the whole matter public at the 
services to occur Friday, in the House of Representatives. 
This organization is ostensibl^^ formed for holding these annual 
observances, but in fact it has been devoted to the security 
of the martyr's renmins, and the members have been bound 
together by oath, to keep their knowledge in regard to their 
resting place a profound secret. For some days they have 
been pi-eparing to remove the remains from the place whei'e 
they have lain for some years, and to remove all the secrecy 
in regard to the matter. The final preparations were com- 
pleted yesterday afternoon and the removal will occur this 
morning. The utmost privacy has been observed regarding 
all the preparations, and only this general outline of the facts 
is ascertainable." The article further stated that a written 
article was prepared, to be read as part of the memorial ser- 
vice on Friday, "giving a full history of the keeping of the 
remains and the society's relation to the trust. The mem- 
bers are desirous of putting the public in possession of the 
exact facts, and leaving the matter in such shape that 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 93 

there sliall be no longer any mystery or secrecy in regard to 
it. But until the removal of the remains is consummated and 
all the projected plans carried in full, they decline to converse 
about it." " 

It was somewhat embarrassing to the members of The Lin- 
coln Guard of Honor to have the hour agreed upon for the 
removal nuide public before hand, because our work for more 
than nine years had been done with the most profound 
secrecy on our part, although we were never bound by any 
oath, but something much stronger— our own sense of honor 
—for to a man Avho will not be bound by that, an oath is a 
mere cord of sand. Any considerable number who might be 
drawn together out of curiosity, Avould make it more difficult 
to do the work. Fortunately, the article in which the hour 
was mentioned, attracted scarcely any attention; and we were 
but little annoyed by additional numbers. We succeeded in 
withholding from the press next morning, the certificates of 
identification made that day, in order to have them appear 
as part of the historical and descriptive sketch to be read in 
our eighth memorial service in the afternoon. We felt further 
chagrin, that on the morning of the fifteenth, still more of 
the details were given in the same paper, with the notice sent 
out on the twelfth by the Secretary of The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor, to each of the members of the Lincoln Monument 
Association. The following is an exact copy: 

Deak Eik:— Nine o'clock Thursday morning, April 14th, has been designated by 
the Executive Committee as the time for exhimiing the remains of Mr. and Mrs. 
Lincoln for reburial. Please be at the monument at that time. It is thought best 
that it be strictly private. Do not, on any account, let a reporter know it. 

J. C. POWEK. 

When that notice was sent out. The Lincoln Guard of Honor 
practically lost control of all secrecy in the nmtter, and to 
this day not a member of the organization knows how the 
paper that published the hour of removal and the notice to 
the Monument Association, obtained its information. In 
order that that and all other papers should stand upon equal 
footing in regard to the news, they completed a written state- 
ment to be read as part of the memorial service, and had 
tifty copies printed. It contained twenty-four pages and three 
engravings. A synopsis only of it could be read at the 
memorial service, but a printed copy was given or sent to 



94 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN, 

each reporter of a city paper, and to all reporters for metro- 
politan papers in the city, who were known. This was done 
especially for the reporters, and but for them it would not 
haA'e been printed. Any intelligent reporter could have taken 
that pamphlet, given every itein of interest in the immediate 
history, and described from the engravings every locality, so 
as to have made it intelligible to any ordinary reader. It is 
doubtful if so much Avas ever done, in a similar case, to give 
reporters the exact truth and to treat all with absolute fair- 
ness. Certainly such efforts were never rewarded with more 
shameful abuse. Certain ones of them, not all, affected to 
believe that special favors had been extended to the paper 
that was ahead of them in the news, and without a particle 
of evidence that they were right, trea.ted us accordingly. It 
is to be hoped for the honor and good name of Springfield, 
that they are now ashamed of themselves, for all who h^ve 
honorable fair dealing .must be ashamed for them. 

At the hour appointed there were present seven members of 
The Lincoln Guard of Honor; six members of the Lincoln 
Monument Association ; Mr. Irwin, who was preparing for the 
burial in the catacomb, with three or four Avorkmen; the un- 
dertaker, with one or two men; the plumber; Mr. Meredith 
Cooper, the sexton of Oak Ridge Cemetery; the Custodian of 
the Monument, with his assistant, George W, Trotter, and 
some others. Under direction of The Lincoln Guard of Bonor, 
the bodies were exhumed at the point marked B, in the 
ground plan, carried into Memorial Hall, and laid upon 
trestles, where, in the absence of President Dana, Gen. Reece, 
Vice President, delivered the following brief address on behalf 
of the society: 

'■'■Gentlemen of the Lincoln Monument Association: 

"By the action of Hon. John T. Stuart, chairman of the 
Executive Committee of the National Lincoln ^lonument As- 
sociation, of which your present society is the successor, we 
were called, singly and by twos and threes, to act as guard- 
ians of the body of President Lincoln, after an attempt had 
been made to wrest it from the walls of this Monument, 
erected under your supervision. In course of time, and in 
order to do our work more efficiently, we became a legal or- 
ganization, called The Lincoln Guard of Honor. 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 95 

"After that, we were called upon to render more secure the 
body of Mrs. Lincoln. A true statement of our acts, indi- 
vidually and collectively, precedes this paper. The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor has never assumed that it is their province 
to examine and decide upon the identity of the remains in 
either case, and that it belongs exclusively to your Associa- 
tion to do that. Having exhumed the bodies, we hereby 
certify that they are in the identical enclosures in which we 
received them, and that the enclosures have never been broken 
except as stated in our historical account. In this condition 
we turn them over to your Association, thus terminating 
what has been to us a labor of love and veneration. 

*G. S. Dana, President. 

J. N. Reece, Vice President. 

J. C. Power, Secretary. 

J. P. Llxdley, Treasurer. 
*Jas. F. McNeill. 

Noble B. AViggins. 

Horace Chapin. 

Edward S. Johnson. 

Clinton L. Conkling, 

"MEMOKIAI; HaLIj, NATIONAL LiXCOLX MONUMENT, April 14, 1887." 

Without form or ceremon3% the members of the Lincoln 
Monument Association, who were present, took charge of the 
bodies, and at once, by mutual agreement, decided that in 
order to satisfy the reasonable expectations of the people, 
after so many changes, it was indispensably necessary to 
identify the body of the President, Mr. Thomas C. Smith, 
the undertaker who made the cedar coffin, was then requested 
to open it, which he did. A piece of the lead coffin about a 
foot square was cut on three sides and turned back, expos- 
ing the familiar features to the light. Of the eighteen or 
nineteen persons present, nearly all had personallj^ seen the 
President in life. There was not one who expressed the 
slightest doubt that he was looking at the features of the 
beloved President. They were almost as perfect as they are 
in the bronze statue on the Monument, and the color is 
about as dark as the statue. After being exposed fifteen or 
twenty minutes, the lead coffin w^as closed and soldered air 
tight by the plumber, Mr. Leon P. Hopkins, of Springfield, 

* Out of the City and State during these exercises. 



96 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

who, as a natural consequence, was the last man to look on 
the face of Abraham Lincoln. The bodies were then con- 
veyed from Memorial Hall to the Catacomb, and there buried. 
The following is a copy of the statement nmde and signed 
by the members present of the Lincoln Monument Association : 
"We, the undersigned members of the Lincoln Monument 
Association", of Springfield, Illinois, do hereby certify, that on 
the 14th day of April, 1887, we saw the cedar and lead 
coffins, which contain the remains of Abraham Lincoln, opened 
in our presence in the Memorial Hall of the Monument. The 
remains were somewhat shrunken, but the features were 
quite natural, and \\e could readil}^ recognize them as the 
features of the former illustrious President of our Nation, and 
our former friend and fellow citizen. We do hereby certify 
that they are his remains, and that they were again re-sealed 
in said coffins and deposited in the vault beneath the floor 

of the catacomb in our presence. 

James C. Conkling, 
OzLis M. Hatch, 
George N. Black, 
John W. Bunn, 
Lincoln Dubois, 
Christopher C. Brown. 
"Dated this 14th day of April, 1887." 

The members of the Lincoln Monument Association also 
made the annexed statement concerning the remains of ]\Ii-s. 
Mary T. Lincoln: 

"We, the undersigned, do hereby certify that the coffins con- 
taining the remains of Mary T. Lincoln, wife of the lamented 
Abraham Lincoln, were this day removed from the place 
where they had been resting for several years beneath the 
Lincoln Monument, at Springfield, Illinois, and were deposited 
in our presence by the side of those of her husband, in the 
vault beneath the floor of the catacomb of said monument: 
"Dated this 14th day of April, 1887. 

James C. Conkling, 
OziAS M. Hatch, 
Geo. N. Black, 
John W. Bunn, 
Lincoln Dubois, 
Christopher C. Brown." 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 97 

After the identification, and the coffins were lowered into 
the A'anit, workmen proceeded to fill it with concrete, sur- 
ronnding each coffin with cement nearly in a li(|uid state, 
which in a short time hardens as a solid mass of stone, more 
than four feet and a half in depth over the tops of the coffins. 
Over that the tessellated nmrble floor was relaid, and the 
sarcophag'us placed in the position it occupied formerly. The 
bodies are now practically inside of and beneath a mass of 
stone six feet deep, eight and a half feet wide and eleven feet 
long. To outward appearance there is no change from what 
has been visible for years. 

To the children of Israel the burial place of Moses was lost, 
but that did not destroy his great work for humanity, neither 
would it have destroyed the work of Abraham Lincoln if his 
remains had been lost. But there is no longer any necessity 
for the Custodian to evade the questions of visitors. After 
more than ten years secret movements in guarding against 
a repetition of the vandalism of attempting to steal the body, 
it is now safe, for there could not a sufficient number of men 
w^ork at it to get it out in one night, and a plot that would 
require longer time to execute is sure to be detected. 

Since the final burial of the remains of President and ]\Irs. 
lineoln, the writer, as Custodian of the monument, in order 
to economise time, has adopted a veiy biief method, when 
the amount of information is taken into consideration, in 
giving visitors an account of the attempted robberj^ and sub- 
sequent events connected with it, for intelligent visitors who 
have incurred the expense in time and money to make the 
pilgrimage are not satisfied until they obtain the information 
they come in search of, and will ask a great number of ques- 
tions, unless a somewdiat full though concise statement is 
made. There are parties who, after having made one visit 
and hearing all, come back with their friends on their first 
visit, wTio think it a manifestation of superior wisdom to 
make ungracious and sometimes insulting remarks about the 
Custodian talking so much. He does not think it at all dis- 
courteous to say to all such, in presence of their friends, "The 
way is entirely cleai' for you sir, or madam, to depart the mo- 
ment you are wearied with listening." In writing this history 
he has at times found it quite embarrassing to speak of himself 



o 



s 



98 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

SO many times, as it is imavoidable, for he is the only person 
who was present when the attempt was made to steal the 
body, and has been present at every movement, night and 
day^ for its protection, nntil the final interment. He is also 
the only member who has been present at every meeting of 
The Lincoln Guard of Honor, for any ]3urpose and at every 
memorial service. The repetition of the pronoun "I," is so 
distasteful to him that it has been avoided as far as possible, 
and speaking in the third person adopted, as the writer, the 
Secretary and the Custodian. The description to visitors is 
generally given in the catacomb, by the side of the sarcopha- 
gus, and without stopping to point out localities by the en- 
gravings, as the reader can do more leisurely. It involves 
some repetition, and Avhen given in full is about as follows: 

The CrsT0DL\-N's Description to Visitors. 
Immediately after the assassination of President Lijicoln, 
the people of Springfield commenced preparations for the 
sepulture of the remains. The citiz-ens and city authorities 
nuide a conditional contract for the block of ground on which 
the present State Captol stands, as a site for the monument, 
and had men woi-k night and day to prepare a temporary 
vault for the reception of the body. Mrs. Lincoln being pros- 
trated by the shock, remained in Washington. About the 
time the funeral cortege arrived in Springfield, it was found 
by telegraphic communication that she was unwilling that 
anything more should be done on the site chosen. Instead of 
])utting the body there, it was deposited May 4, 1865, in the 
receiving tomb for Oak Kidge Cemetery, which is on the 
monument grounds. (See view of the monument from the 
north including cut at the foot of the bluff.) (Also, H^e map 
of the monument grounds, marked, "receiving tomb.'") The 
body of President Lincoln remained in that tomb seven and 
a half months, when it was removed December 21, 18()5, to 
a vault prepared under direction of the National Lincoln 
Monument Association. (See map marked, "Original Lincoln 
Vault.") The body remained in that vault nearly six years, 
during which time the building of the monument was com- 
mence'd and so far advanced as to be ready to receive it, 
when it was taken from the lead hned wooden coffin, in which 
it was brought from Washington, because the lining was found 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 99 

to be broken, placed in an iron coffin, and again removed, [V 
Sept. 19, 1871, to tlie ciypt Xo. 1, being the central one of 
five crypts built side by side for the entire family. (See in- 
terior of the Catacomb.) It remained in that crypt three 
years, until Oct. 9, 1874, when, in consequence of the iron 
coffin being- too long, it was placed in a red cedar coffin, /^ 
■heavily lined with lead, and then deposited in a marble sar- -^ 
cophagus. 

The body was in that sarcophagus when thieves tried to / 
steal it on the evening of Nov. 7, 1876. They selected that (c? 
time because it was the evening of the day for holding the 
presidential election, and they talked among themselves that 
if tliey were seen by others at unseemly hours, each party 
would probably conclude that the other was out in search of 
election news, and thus the.}^ ^vould be able to ward off sus- 
picion. We who are connected with the monument had been 
warned before hy officers of the United States secret service, 
that a plot had been discovered in Chicago, for stealing the 
body of Mr. Lincoln, and holding it until a great reward should 
be offered for the recovery of it. The progress of the plot 
was watched by those officei-s until they learned the exact 
time agreed upon among the robbers for carrjdng it into 
effect. The night selected by the thieves, five officers of the 
IT. S. Secret Service were with the writer in Memorial Hall. 
We had been there three hours, in total darkness, when three 
men approached the outer door of the hall. (See view of the 
monument facing south.) 

One of the men carried a dark lantern, lighted, which was 
turned about and finding the doors locked, and not seeing 
any light inside, that seemed to satisfy them that there was 
not any person about the monument. Then they went to 
the north end, and approached the catacomb. (See view of the 
monument from the north.) The shutter to the door of that 
is made of iron rods only, and is fastened with a, padlock. 
The thieves commenced on the lock with a very fine saw, so 
highly tempered that they soon broke it, and finished their 
work with a triangular saw file. The latter part of the 
work required a comparatively long time. Having affected 
an entrance, they, with an old axe, pried off the top piece of 
marble A, and stood it on the end against panel 1. They 
then pried and lifted at the nmin hd, B, which projects over 



100 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

the sides and ends, until tliey raised it above the copper 
dowels in the sides, turned it across the sarcophagus and 
pushed it nearlj' to the wall. They then took the end piece, 
G, and sat it on edge near the door. The red cedar coffin, 
D, with the square end, E, was drawn out of the sarcoph- 
agus fifteen or eighteen inches. That was the condition of 
things when the officers came around from the Memorial Hall 
and the thieves had disappeared. There was a young man 
with theirf who had discovered the plot in Chicago, acci- 
dentally, and whom the thieves thought was an accomplice. He 
was with them, under instruction from an officer of the United 
States Secret Service, who was in command that night, that 
he should keep with them until they broke the lock, at this door, 
to the catacomb— and began to open the sarcophagus. His 
instructions were, that he should then quietly leave them, go 
around to the door of Memorial Hall, give a signal agreed 
upon before, when it was thought that the whole force of 
officers could move quickly out of the Hall, around to the 
catacomb and capture the miscreants at their Avork. When 
the lock had been broken, and before the thieves commenced 
their work on the sarcophagus, they had the shrewdness to 
push the young man into the southeast corner of the 
catacomb, at the point marked with a *, and gave him the 
lantern to hold. He said the moment they did that, he knew 
it meant that if he made any movement to get rid of the 
light, and pass by them, out of the door, they would be very 
sure to shoot him dead. If it had been a question of saving 
himself he could have rushed out by them and made his es- 
cape, but that would have been a signal to them that some- 
thing was wrong, and they would have escaped before he 
could have brought the officers around from the opposite end 
of the monument. He made up his mind that the only prob- 
ability of success lay in holding the light until they did their 
work, and then take his chances for giving the signal in time 
to have them captured. Having taken the sarcophagus apart 
and drawn the coffin out as seen in the engraving, the thieves 
were ready for the lioi'se and wagon to haul the body away, 
which, by mutual agreement, the young man was to provide, 
and which he made them believe' was in waiting at the east 
gate of the cemetery in the valley about two hundred yards 
northeast of the monument. They directed him to bring up 



ATTEMPT TO 8TEAI. THE BODY OF ETNCOLX. lOl 

his wao-on, sajing they woiikl wait at the eatacoiiib until liis 
return.'^ He started in the direction indicated and ran (h)\vn 
on the sward, goino- by the site of the orioinal Lincoln vanlt, 
(see map,) until lie passed out of their sight in the darkness; 
then, as he had no wagon, nor never intended to, he turned 
abruptly to the right, ran around to the south end of the 
monument, and gave the signal agreed upon, by striking a 
match on the jamb of the door to Memorial Hall, and light- 
ing a cigar. The officers, not having any light, tiled out of 
the hall, leaving the writer alone, and passed rapidly around 
to the catacomb, led by the chief officer, who, with a cocked 
revolver in each hand, called upon whoever was in there to 
surrender. After calling a second time without receiving any 
answer, he struck a match and found the scene presented in 
the engraving of the broken sarcopnagus, but the thieves had 
departed. It was afterwards learned, that when they started 
the young man off for the wagon, they, too shrewd to stand 
around the door, lest some other party might be watching 
their movements, quietly Avent to a small oak tree, (marked 
location of thieves, see map,) and were watching the cata- 
comb when the officers came around from ]\Iemorial Hall. 
They told their supposed accomplice afterwards, that dark 
as it was, they could see the outlines of the officers as they 
approached the door, and supposing he had returned with a 
teamster, started to meet him. When they came within 
twenty-five or thirty feet of the door they heard voices, and 
when the light was struck in the catacomb, discovered that 
it was officers hunting for them. They told the young man 
that they "then thought it would be more healthy for them 
to go the other way." They made their escape, but were 
captured in Chicago ten days later, brought back to Spring- 
field, tried, convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary for 
one 3^ear. One year only, because there was not at that time 
any law in Ilhnois that made it a penitentiary offense to 
steal a human dead body. They were not sentenced for that, 
but for burglary and conspiracy. (See Division Five for report 
of trial.) if they were to do the same thing now, and be cap- 
tured, they might be sent for ten years, because there has 
been a law enacted since that time to cover such cases. In 











102 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

consequence of the general confusion, everj^thing Avas per- 
mitted to remain two days where the thieves left them, as 
seen in the broken sarcophagus. 

(Jn the afternoon of the second day, the Monument Asso- 
ciation sent a marble workman out with two assistants to 
put the sarcophagus together. The Cnstoditin had them push 
the coffin back, put each piece of marble where it belonged, 
and cement all as though nothing more would be done. Six 
davs later, Hon. John T. Stuart, Chairman of the Executive 
Committee of the Association, came out in the forenoon, and 
told the Custodian that he could not sleep for thinking how 
easy a matter it would be for the thieves to obtain the body 
yet, if they desired to do so. He said that the same marble 
workman with his assistants would be at the monument that 
afternoon, and he wished the Custodian to have them take 
the sarcophagus apart, take the coffin out, and lay it on the 
floor in the northwest curve of the wall of the catacomb, and 
remain there until dark, when he would come with sufficient 
assistance to move it to where it would be more secure. The 
marble workmen came, did the work as directed, put the sar- 
cophagus back together and cemented all the joints carefully, 
and when done the principal workman dismissed his assistants, 
but he and the Custodian remained in waiting until dark, 
when the three members of the Executive Committee of the 
Monument Associction came, and we five took the coffin up, 
carried it outside, around the east side of the monument into 
Memorial Hall, through the back door of the hall to the east 
side of the foundation of the obelisk, and deposited it on some 
timbers at the point marked A, ground plan. There a short 
consultation was held, and it was arranged that the marble 
workman should bring a box out the next day to fit the 
coffin, and he, with the writer, should put the coffin in the box 
and bury all. He brought the box, in pieces, we put it 
together inside to avoid attracting attention, and by laying 
the box on the side and by turning the coffin on the side, we 
"were able to get them together, but it was exceedingly hard 
work for two men, for the coffin alone weighs more than five 
hundred pounds, and the atmosphere we had to breathe was 
almost stifling for want of ventilation. At this point the 
writer suggested that we should not work any more that daj'", 
and that his comrade need not return, as he thought he could 



ATTEMPT TO STKAL THE ]K)I)Y OV LINCOLN. 103 

bui-T it aloue, by diii'^int;' (lowii closi^ to tlie tiinbovs and 
and using a lever he eonld sli]) tlio cotfin into the cavity and 
cover it AA'ith earth. Next morning he commenced digging-, 
but soon found tlmt it would be a tedious job, for he had to 
go outside ^Yhenever he heai'd steps overhead, ascertain the 
wants of visitoi-s. aud wait upon all who wished to be shown 
through. For that reason it required three days continuous 
effort to get the cavity to a sufficient depth to receive the 
coffin, and when that was accomplished water began to come 
in. It was naturally a dry place, but there had been so much 
leakage without any ventilation, as to account for that diffi- 
culty. He reported the situation to the Executive Committee, 
and asked for further instructions. All the instructions re- 
ceived Avere, to let the coffin remain on the timbers, keep it 
covered as a protection from leakage, and wait until the com- 
mittee determined what to do. 

To_tha— aiStonishment of every one who hears of it, the 
coffinjay-^t hore unbu ried-4or-ta\XL_y£ars. At the end of that 
time, the body of Alexander T. Stewart, the wealthiest mer- 
chant of New York city, was stolen and held for a ransom. 
When that news came, it appeared to the Custodian as though 
half the people of Springfield accosted him on the street, or 
came to the INIonument and inquired if the body of Lincoln 
Avas safe. He did not think it was, but evaded their ques- 
tions as well as he could. After two weeks' annoyance of this 
kind, he received a missive through the postoffice, warning 
him not to be out of his house alone after nightfall, indicat- 
ing that there was some other plotting going on, in which 
his personal safety was involved. This made it imperatively 
necessary for him to call again upon the executive committee 
and inform them that he was unwilling to remain in charge 
unless they would come and bury the body, or put it where 
it could not be so easily found. The^^ reminded him that 
they were each ten or twelve years older than himself, that 
what they had done two years previous in carrying the body 
around and into the interior of the Monument, had nearly 
disabled them, and that they could do no more. They then 
placed the entire responsibility on him, by telling him to call 
to his aid younger men, whom he could trust, get theui to 
come and assist him, find the dryest place they could inside, 
and bury it. He at once called upon two men of his 



104 ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF LINCOLN. 

acquaintanfe, who had each a good record for service in the 
army of the Union. He stated the case to them, and asked 
their assistance, which they xerj readily agreed to give. 
They three each invited another to join them, and the six 
came to the Monument in the night, and took the body from 
the point marked A {sof^ ground plan), where it had lain 
more than two years, and buried it at the point B, in the 
same figure. That was done in November, 1878, Fifteen 
mouths later, the six invited three others to unite with them 
in organizing under the laws of Illinois, The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor, that they might be in a position to act efficiently 
against any further acts of vandalism in connection with the 
remains of President Lincoln. Robert T. Lincoln was very 
properh' informed confidentially of what we had done, soon 
after the body of his father was buried, although the exact 
s]3ot was not pointed out to him. When his mother died in 
July, 1882, her body was put in crypt No, 4, in the cata- 
comb, but it was not in there forty -eight hours. The day 
after the public funeral, Robert Lincoln expressed a desire 
that The Lincoln Guard of Honor should take the body of 
his mother from the crypt and hnvj it by The side of his 
father. The President and Secretary gave notice for the 
members to assemble at the Monument, at ten o'clock on 
the evening of July 21, and by two o'clock next morning 
the work was done. The bodies remained there until Ai)ril 
14, 1887, when they were exhumed b^^ The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor, conveyed back to Memorial Hall, and there formally 
delivered to the Lincoln Monument Association. The mem- 
bers of the ]\Ionument Association immediately ordered the 
wood and lead coffin of the President to be opened, that they 
might identify the body. Finding the features in the most 
])ei-fect state of preservation, and making a record of that 
fact, signed by all the members of the Association present, 
the cofiins were closed and both bodies conveyed out of the 
hall and around to the catacomb, where a receptacle had 
been prepared, under direction of the Custodian, with the ap- 
])roval of the Monument Association. It was five and a half 
feet wide, eight feet long, and six feet deep in the clear, with 
a Avail eighteen inches thick of hard burned brick, laid in the 
best of cement mortar all around it. Eight inches of con- 
crete was spread over the bottom and the coffins laid on that. 



ATTEMPT TO STEAL THE BODY OF IJNCOLN, 105 

lu adjusting the coffin containing the body of the President, 
a line was drawn from the centre of the door to the centre 
of the open crv])t, and the coffin so adjusted that the Kne 
extended over the centre of that. The coffin of Mrs. Lincoln 
lay at the east side of that of her husband, with four or five 
inches of space between. When the body of the President was 
in the sarcophagus, the head was towards the north, but in 
the burial it was turned to the south, for the reason that 
there will probably be a time when the empty sarcopliagus 
will be removed and a tablet bearing appropriate^nscriptions 
laid on the floor over the bodies, to be read standing in the 
door. Then it would be quite appropriate that the reading 
should begin at the head and extend to the foot. In ad- 
justing the coffins the tops of them were brought to about 
four and a half feet below the level of the floor. None of the 
earth taken out was put back, but the entire space w^as filled 
with concrete. The mortar to begin with was made so soft 
as to settle snugly into every crevice around the coffins. 
Above that it was mixed with broken stone, the entire mass 
hardening as one piece, so that after more than ten years 
secreting the body, those responsible for its safe keeping feel 
at liberty to give its entire history, and are not only willing 
but desirous that the people should know all about it. Look- 
ing at the ground plan, the sarcophagus is exactly over the 
President's body, and the letter "S" is over where Mrs. Lin- 
coln's body lies. There was but one reporter present, and he 
described a brick arch as having been built over the coffins 
after they were put in their final resting place, but of more 
than twenty men present, he was the only man who saw the 
arch, for the simple reason that no arch was there, neither 
was it ever designed that there should be, and the only brick 
used in the grave were pieces broken quite small as parts of 
the concrete. It is not believed that a sufficient number of 
men could work at it to get the body out now, in three da,ys 
and nights, and if they cannot do it in one night, they can- 
not do it at all. 



—7 



106 THE LINCOLN GUAKD OF HONOR. 



DIVISION SEVENTH, 

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY. 



Legal Organization of the Lincoln Guard of Honor and a Statement of its Aims 
and Objects— Its first Memorial Service— Two Versions of Lincoln's Farewell 
Address to the People of Springfield— Members of the National Lincohi Monu- 
ment Association made Honorary Members— Obser\'ance of Soldiers' Decora- 
tion on Memorial Day— Beautiful Decoration of Lincoln's Sarcophagus — 
Anniversai-y of Lincohi'fe Birth. 

Memorial Hall, National Lincoln Monument, 
Springfield, III., Feb. 12, 1880, 

(Three o'clock Afternoon). 

Preseiit— Gustavus S. Daiia, Jasper N. Eeece, John Carroll 
Power, James F. McNeill, Joseph P. Lindley, Edward S. John- 
son, Horace Chapin, Noble B. Wiggins and Chnton L. Conkling. 

As a preliminary to the transaction of business, on motion 
it was 

Resolved, That J. N. Eeece be chosen Chairman, and J. C. Power Secretary of 
the meeting. 

The Secretarj^ being called upon to do so, stated that by 
the action of an executive officer of the National Lincoln 
Monument Association, through the Custodian of the Monu- 
ment, the remains of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the 
United States of America, had been placed under our guar- 
dianship, and that we could execute our trust more effectually 
by withholding from the public all knowledge of the responsi- 
bility resting upon us. He further stated that Hon. Robert 
T. Lincoln had once expressed a willingness to put the Lin- 
coln Homestead in this city, in the custody of the National 
Lincoln Monument Association. It was said on the part of 
the Association that to accept it would be foreign to the 
objects for which the Association was formed ; and since that 
time he had repaired and rented it as a residence, and might 
not care to consider any proposition from a new organiza- 
tion. The Secretary still further stated that there was ample 



THE T.INC;OLN GUARD OF HONOR. 107 

work for an org-auization to do in hoklinjLi," nieniorial services 
on the anniversaries of Lincoln's birth, death, emancipation 
day, decoration day, etc. After this exi)kination, and on 
motion, it was 

Resolved, That an organization Ix^ now effected, and it be called The Lixcolx 
Guard of Honor. 

The following petition was then prepared and signed: 

State of IijiiiNois, | 
Sangamon County, f ' 

To George H Harlow Secretari/ of State • 

We, the undersigned, G. S. Dana, J. N. Eeece, J. C. Power, Jas. F. MclSTcill, J. P. 
Lindley, Edward S. Johnson, Horace Chapin, N. B. Wiggins and Clinton L. Conk- 
ling, citizens of the United States, propose to form a corporation under an act of' 
the General Assembly of the State of Illinois, entitled, "An Act concerning Cor- 
porations," approved April 18, 1872, and that for the purposes of sucli organization 
we hereby state as follows, to-wit : 

1. The name of such Corporation is The LincoijN Guard of Honor. 

2. The objects for which it is formed, is to negotiate for the pui'chase of the 
foiTner Home of Lincoln, raise funds to pay for and keep it in repair and keep it 
open to the public, under suitable regulations, and hold it in trust for the People, 

3. To conduct memorial services, either at the home or tomb of Lincoln, or at 
such other places as this association may designate on appropriate occasions, such 
as the anniversaries of his birth, death, emancipation day, decoration day, or any 
other important events connected with his hfe. 

4. To collect and presei-ve such relics of him as will not interfere with the 
proper collection in Memorial Hall at the monument, especially such as would be 
more suitably cared for at the residence, more particularly those connected with 
his domestic and home hfe. 

5. The management of the aforesaid association shall be vested in a board of 
nine directors, who ai'e to be elected annually. 

6. The following persons are hereby selected as the directors to control and 
manage said corporation for the first year of its corporate existence, and imtil 
their successors are chosen and qualified, namely: J. C. Power, G. S. Dana, J. N. 
Beece, J. F. McNeill, J. P. Lindley. Edward S. Johnson, Horace Chapin, N. B. 
Wiggins and CUnton L. Conkling. 

7. The location is at Springfield, in the county of Sangamon, and State of 

lUinbis. 

Signed, 

J. C. Power, J. P. LindIjEY, 

J. N. Re ce, Edward S. Johnson. 

G. S. Dana, Horace Chapin. 

Jas. F. McNeill, N. B. Wiggins. 

Clinton L. Conkling. 

State of Illinois, ) 

County of Sangamon, ) ' 

I, James F. McNeill, a Notary Public, in and for the County and State aforesaid, 
do hereby certify that on this twelfth day of February, A. D. 1880, personally ap- 
peared before me, G. S. Dana, J. N. Reece, J. C. Power, J. P. Lindley, Edward S. 
Johnson, Horace Chapin, N. B. Wiggins and Clinton L. Conkling, to me personally 



108 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOE. 

known to be the same persons who executed the foregoing statement, and severally 
acknowledged that they had executed the same for the purposes therein set forth. 
In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year 
above written. 

j X. P. / James F. McNeill, 

'/ SEAL, d" Notary Public. 

State of Illinois, } 

County of Sangamon, f ' ' 

I, Clinton L. Conkling, a Notary Public, in and for the County and State afore- 
said, do liereby certify, that on this twelfth day of February, 1880, personally ap- 
peai'ed before me, James F. McNeill, to me personallj^ known to be the same per- 
son who executed the foregoing statement, and tlien acknowleged that he had exe- 
cuted the same for the purposes therein set fortli. 

In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal, this day and yeai' above 

Tvritten. 

\ N. P. ) Clinton L. Conkling, 

( seal. ) Notary Public. 

State of Illinois, Department of State, 

Geoege H . Haklow, Secretary' of State. 
To all to whom these Presents shall come — Greeting: 

Wh'KEas, a Certificate, duly signed and aelcnowledged, having been filed in 
the office of the Secretary of State, on the Thirteenth day of Februarj^ A. D. 
1880, f;r the organization of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, under and in 
accordance witli the provisions of "An Act concerning Corporations," approved 
April 18, 1872, aiid in force July 1, 1872, a copy of which certificate is hereto 
attached. 

Now, therefore, I, George H. Harlow, Secretaiy of State, of the State of 
Ilhnois, by virtue of the powers and duties vested in me by law, do hereby certify 
that the said. The Lincoln Guard of Honor, is a legally organized corpora- 
tion under the laws of this State. 

In Testimony Whereof, I hereto set my hand, and cause to be affixed the great 
seal of State. Done at the City of Springfield, this thirteenth day of Februaiy, 
in the year of our Lord, one thousand, eight hundred and eighty, and of the Inde- 
pendence of the United States, the One Hundred and Fourth. 

George H. Harlow, 
[seal of state.] Secretary of State. 

The objects of The Lincoln Guard of Honor Avas then pub- 
licly announced to be the raising of a fund, and purchasing and 
keeping in repair the former home of President Lincoln, and 
keep it open to visitors under proper regulations; and to 
hold ^Memorial Services on the anniversaries of his birth, 
death, emancipation day, etc. On the action of the new 
society being made known to Robert Lincoln, he declined to 
negotiate, and we were thus relieved of any care in that res- 
pect, for which we are exceedingly thankful. But it is right 
and proper in this connection to say, that if the objects above 
stated had been the real and only ones, however commend- 
able their action might have been, The Lincoln Guard of 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 109 

Honor never would have boon organized by the men Avho did 
it. Their one and all controling thought, was to guard the 
precious dust of Abraham Lincoln, fi-oin vandal hands, and 
that is why they effected a legal organization. 

At an adjourned meeting held at the Leland Hotel on March 
9, 1880, it was resolved to observe the fifte(^nth anniversary 
of the death of Abraham Lincoln by appropriate services, to 
be held at the National Lincoln Monument, on the morning 
of April the 15th, 1880, commencing at twenty-two minutes 
past seven o'clock. 

Our P'irst Memorial Service. 
At a subsequent meeting the Committee appointed for the 
purpose, submitted the following programme and order of 
exercises, which was approved. 

PEOGKAMME OF MEMORIAL SEEVICES. 

TO BE HELD ON THE FIFTEENTH ANNIVEBSAKY OF THE DEATH OP 
ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

Sennces will begin exactly at seven o'clock and tAventy-two minutes, on the 
Tiiorning of April 15th, coiTesponding with the time of President Lincoln's death. 
They will be held at the Catacomb, of the National Lincoln IMonument, under the 
auspices of The Lincoln Gtjaed of Honoe. 

Being their first observance, there will be no effort at an imposing demonstra- 
tion, but a simple Memorial Service at the former Home of the Martyr President. 
A cordial invitation is extended to all citizens, and strangers who may be in the 
city, to be present and unite in the services. 

The following will be the Order of Exercises : 
Peayek, By Eev. James A. Eeed, D. D., of the First Presbyterian Church. 
Singing, ...... "The Sleep of the Brave." 

By Y. M. C. A. Quintette, 

Prof. S. T. Church, Frank M. Wills, Edward WiUs, 

Frank L. Fuller, Frank Euth. 

Eeading - - - Lincoln's Farewell to the People of Springfield, 

By Eev. Albert Hale. 
Eeading, ■ - - _ Lincoln's Letter to Eliza P. Gurney, 

By J. C. Power. 
Singing, - ■ . - . "Battle Hymn of the Repiiblic,'* 

By the Quintette. 
Eeading, _ . _ . Lincoln's Second Liaugural Address, 

By Chnton L. Conkling. 
Eeading, (Lincoln's Favorite Poem,) 

"O ichy should the Sjnrit of Mortal be Proud,'' 
By ^Irs. Edward S. Johnson. 

Singing, -..-.. "Let the President Sleep," 

By the Quintett<3. 
Benediction, - - - By Eev. J. H. Noble of the First M. E. Church. 



110 



THE LIXCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. 



Both the South and East gates to Oak Ridge Cemetery, will be open at sunrise, 
for the admittance of those who may desire to go in carriages. 

A car will leave the south end of the Fifth street railroad at twenty minutes past 
six, A. M., arriving at Oak Eidge Park, ten minutes before seven. 

By order of The Lincoln Gtjakd of Honok. 

J. C. POWER, Secretary. G. S. DANA, President. 

Springfield, lU., April 15, 1880. 

In printing our programmes we had the accompanying pro- 
file of Lincoln on the first page, and a cut of the National 
Lincoln ISfonument on the fourth page and continued to do 

so at every Memorial Service. 

Wednesday, April 14th, 

almost the entire day, 
was spent by Mrs. Dana, 
wife of our President, and 
Mrs. Lindley, wife of our 
l)resent Treasurer, in 
decorating the catacomb 
and sarcophagus with 
flowers. They did their 
w ork bea u t if ully , and 
with the most exquisite 
taste. The practice was 
continued at every Mem- 
morial Service. 
On Thursday, April 15tli, the memorial services were held, 
under direction of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, assembled 
at the catacomb of the National Lincoln Monument, with 
every member present .and each 
one wore a badge printed on 
white satin ribbon, of which 
the following is a copy. It 
was afterwards worn on all 
public occasions. The morn- 
ing was chilly, cloudy, foggy 
and threatening rain, but 
about three hundred citizens 
and strangers braved the dis- 
comfort, and with heads un- 
covered reverently joined in 
the opening exercises. 

"^^NATIONAL Li 






THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



Ill 




3fic Lii^'^olii 



(JiiaFcl of HonoF. 





112 THE LINCOLN GUATJD OF HONOR. 

Major G. S. Dana, President, commenced the exercises, at 
twenty-two minutes past seven o'clock, coi-responding- with 
the time of President Lincoln's death, by introducing Eev. 
James A. Reed, D. D., Pastor of the First Presbyterian 
Church, who offered praj^er, as follows: 

Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the moun- 
tains were brought forth or ever Thou hadst formed the world, even from everlast- 
ing Thou art God. Thou art the hope and refuge of aU who put their ti'ust imder 
the shadow of Thy wing. We now invoke Tliy presence and blessing as we here 
assemble to commence these solemn semces this morning ; and we feel, as we 
gather around this tomb, that we gather about the resting place of a great man — a 
man made sacred by memoiy — the remains of one dear to us, and whose name has 
been identified with the dearest interests of our country. We have approached the 
time that recalls the hour of our National affliction — the hour when the spirit of 
Abeaham Lincoln, "With maUce towards none, with charity for all," returned to 
God who gave it. And while this hour recalls sad and painful memories, yet, O 
God, we desire to cherish and perpetuate to latest generations the virtues and the 
memoiy of him who hes here entombed. And we pray, gracious God, that Thou 
wouldst be with us and bless us this day. We thank Thee that, in the hour of our 
peril. Thou didst raise up for our country such a leader as Abeaham Lincoln. 
We thank Thee for aU that was generous, truthful and noble in his character. We 
thank Thee for all that was manly and elevated and decisive in his patriotism. We 
thank Thee for aU that was wise and judicious in his statesmanship. We thank 
Thee for the great deliverance which he was the means of bringing to our land. 
We thank Thee for all the liberty and happiness we enjoy, and for all the grand 
and blessed issues that have come to us from the instrumentality of this man. 
And we pray that we may be enabled to cherish his memory, to imitate his virtues 
and presei-ve the blessings of liberty and peace that have come to us. Let Thy 
presence and blessings rest upon this day, and as the recollection of the hour re- 
curs when he was taken away from us, may the appreciation of his life and char- 
acter go foi-ward with us in the noble pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Be 
with us, we pray Thee, and with the Nation in all our. future history ; sanctify us 
as a Nation to Thyself and to Thy service, and finally accept of us graciously, in 
Our Redeemer. Amen. 

The Young- Men's Christian Association Quintette Club — 
Messrs. S. T. Church, Edward A. Wills, Frank M. Wills, Frank 
L. Fuller and R. F. Ruth, Jr.— sang "The Sleep of the 
Brave." 

How sleep the brave that sink to rest 
By aU their countrj^'s wishes blest ; 
When spring, with dewy fingers cold, 
Eetums to deck their hallowed mold. 

She, then, shall dress a sweeter sod 
Than fancy's feet have ever trod, 
By fairy hands their knell is rung, 
By forms unseen their dirge is sung. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF IIOXOll. 



113 



Then hoiuu' eomos, a pilgrim gruy, 
To bless the turf that wraps their clay, 
And freedom shall awhile repair 
To dwell a weeping hennit there. 

Kest in peace! 
Sleep on! 

Rev. Albert Hale, an ex-pastor of the Second Presbyterian 
Church of Spring-field, the oldest clergvnian in the city, being 
in his eighty-first year, read the farewell address of Mr. Lin- 
coln, delivered from the platform of the car, Feb. 11, 1861, 
to his neighbors and friends, as he was about starting for 
the Capital of the Nation, to become its Chief Magistrate. 



Father Hale read the only 
version of the address known 
at that time, which was ac- 
cepted everywhere as the true 
one, but it must now and 
henceforth give way to that 
w'hich came direct from the 
author. That which Mr. Hale 
read was in the following 
w^ords: 

My Fkiekds: — No one not in my po- 
sition can appi-eciate the sadness I feel 
at this parting. To this people I owe 
all I am. Here I have lived for more 
than a quarter of a century ; here my 
children were born, and here one of 
then^hes buried. I know not how soon 
I shall see you again. A duty devolves 
upon me which is, perhaps, greater than 
that which has devolved upon any other 
man since the days of Washington. He 
never would have succeeded except for 
the aid of Divine Pi'ovidence, upon 
whom he at all times relied. I feel that 
I cannot succeed without the same 
Divine aid Avhich sustained him, and on 
the same Almighty Being I place my 
reliance for support ; and I hope you, 
my friends, will all pray that I may 
receive that Divine assistance, without 
which I cannot succeed, but with which 
success is certain. Again, I bid you an 
affectionate farewell. 



In part of Nicolay & Hay's 
History of Lincoln in the Cen- 
tury IVIagazine for December, 
1887, the same address occurs, 
in connection with which, by 
a note from the authors, we 
are assured that, "This ad- 
dress is here correctly printed 
for the first time, from the 
original manuscript, having 
been written down immediate- 
ly after the train started, 
partly by Mr. Lincoln's own 
hand and partly by that of 
his private secretary from his 
dictation." 

"My Friends: — No one, not in mv 
situation, can appreciate my feeUng of 
sadness at this parting. To this place, 
and the kindness of these people, I owe 
everything. Here I have lived a quar- 
ter of a century, and have passed from 
a young to an old man. Here my chil- 
dren have been born, and one is buried. 
I now leave, not knowing when or 
whether ever I may return, with a task 
befdi'e me greater than that which 
rested upon Washington. Without the 
assistance of that Divine 'Being who 
ever attended him, I cannot succeed. 
With that assistance, I cannot fail. 
Trusting in Him, who can go with me, 
and remain with you, and be eveiy- 
where for good, let us confidently hope 
that all will yet be well. To His care 
commending you, as I hope in your 
prayei's you will commend me, I bid 
vou an affectionate farewell." 



114 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

President Lincoln's letter to Eliza P. Gurney was read by 
Mr. J. C. Power, who, by way of prelude, said: 

W^e all know that, during the war to suppress the rebellion, President Lincoln 
was frequently waited upon by delegations from religious bodies. Among others, 
a large number of women belonging to the Society of Friends, gave him a call. 
One of their number, the widow of Joseph John Gurney, a distinguished Quaker 
preacher of England, though herself an American, afterwards wrote him a lettei'. 
His reply will ever be highly prized, because it contains such emphatic and 
unequivocal expressions of his behef in the overruling providence of God. 

IjETTek to sxks. gtjkney. 

Executive Mansion, 
V/ashington, Sept. 4, 1884. 

EiiizA P. Gueney: My Esteemed Feiend — I have not forgotten — probably 
never shall forget — ^the very impressive occasion when yourself and friends visited 
me, on a Sabbath forenoon, two years ago ; nor has your kind letter, written nearly 
a year later, ever been forgotten. In all, it has been your purpose to strengthen my 
I'ehance on God. I am much indebted to the good Christian people of this coun- 
try, for their constant prayers and consolations; and to no one of them, more than 
to yourself. The purposes of the Almighty are perfect, and must prevail; though 
we eiTing mortals may fail to accnrately perceive them in advance. We hoped for 
a happy termination of this terrible war long before this; but God knows best, and 
has ruled otherwise. W^e shall yet acknowledge His wisdom and our own error 
therein. Meanwhile, we must work earnestly in the best light He gives, trusting 
that so working still conduces to the great ends He ordains. Surely, He intends 
some great good to follow this mighty con^nilsion, which no mortal could make, 
and no mortal could stay. 

Your people, the Friends, have had, and are having, a very great trial. On 
principle and faith, opposed to both war and oppression, they can only practically 
oppose oppression by war. In this hard dilermna, some have chosen one horn and 
some the other. For those appealing to me on conscientious groimds, I have done, 
and shall do, the best I could and can, in my own conscience, under my oath to 
the law. That you beheve this I doubt not ; and beUeving it, I shall still receive, 
for our country and myself, your earnest prayers to our Father in Heaven. 

Yom- sincere friend, 

A. Lincoln. 

"The Battle Hymn of the Republic," by Mrs. Samuel 
G. Howe, was suug by the Quintette Club. 

Mine eyes have seen the gloiy of the coming of the Lord ; 
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored ; 
He hath loosed the fateful Ughtning of His terrible swift sword ; 
His truth is marching on. 

Choeus — Glory! Glory Hallelujah! 

Gloiy! Gloiy! Glory Hallelujah! 
CIoit! Glorj' Hallelu!ah! 

His truth is marching on. 



THE LINCOLN GUAIfl) OF HONOR. 115 

I have seen Him in tlu^ watcli-fircs of a liundrod circling camps, 
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps ; 
I can read His rigliteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps ; 

His day is marching on. 
Chobtjs— 
I have read a fiery gospel writ in burnished rows of steel ; 
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with j^ou my grace shall deal;" 
Let the hero bom of woman crush the serpent with His heel, 

Since God is marching on. 
Choktjs — 
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat ; 
He is sifting out the heai-ts of men before His judgment seat ; 
Oh! be swift, my soul, to answer Him, be jubilant my feet! 

Our God is marching on. 
Chorus — 
In the beauty of the hlies Christ was bom across the sea, 
With a gloiy in His bosom that transfigures you and me ; 
As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, 

While God is marching on. 
Chorus — 

After which, Mr. Chnton L. Coukhng read the Second In- 
augural Address of President Lincoln. 

FEiiiiOW CouNTRyiMEN. — At this second appearing to take the oath of the 
Presidential office, there is less occasion for an extended address than there was 
at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued 
seemed very fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four j^ears, during 
which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and 
phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the 
energies of the Nation, little that is new could be presented. 

The progress of our arms — upon whith aU else chiefly depends — is as well 
known to the public as to myself ; and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and 
encouraging to all. With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is 
ventiu'ed. 

On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago, all thoughts were anxiously 
directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it ; all sought to avoid it. While 
the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to 
saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to de- 
stroy it without war — seeking to dissolve the Union and divide the effects by ne- 
gotiation. 

Both parti ■« deprecated war ; but one of them would make war rather than let 
the Nation survive, and the other would accept wai* rather than let it perish, and 
the war came. 

One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed gener- 
ally over the Union, but localized in the Southern part of it. These slaves con- 
stituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was, some- 
how, the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate and extend this interest 
was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while 
the government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the teiTitorial enlarge- 
ment of it. 



116 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

Neither party expected for the war the. maj?nitude or the duration which it has 
akeady attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of tlie conflict miglat cease, 
with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier 
triumph and a result less fundamental and astounding. 

Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid 
against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just 
God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces ; but 
let us judge not, tliat we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. 
That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. 
Woe unto the world because of offences, for it must needs be that offences come ; 
but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh. If we shall suppose that Ameri- 
can slavery is one of these offences — which, in the providence of God, must needs 
come, but which, having continued through His appointed time. He now wiUs to 
remove, and that he gives to both North and South this terrible war as tlie woe 
due to those by whom the offence came — shall we discern therein any departure 
from those Divine attributes which the behevers in a hving God always ascribe to 
Him? Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war 
may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth 
piled by the bondman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequitted toil shall be 
sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid with another 
drawn by the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, 
the judgments of the Lord are tnae and righteous altogether. 

With malice towards none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God 
gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up 
the Nation's wound, to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his 
widow and orphans ; to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and a lasting 
peace among ourselves and with all nations. 

Rev. W. B. Affleck, of York, England, a Methodist Epis- 
copal minister and lecturer, who had risen from the position 
of a coal miner, electrified all hearts in the delivery of the fol- 
lowing three minute address. 

The sorrow and sympathy of The Guards of Honor, citizens, admiring friends 
and of the many sti'angers whose cheeks are also moistened with tears, who are 
assembled here on this momentously solemn occasion, lead me to repeat an 
ancient though appropriate question — "Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no phy- 
sician there? Why then is the hurt of my people not healed?" 

Wliy, aye, why? Because no such wound as we are gathered here to commemo- 
rate was ever before inflicted, and no hurt was ever before so universally felt. In 
Abraham Lincoln's death humanity lost a loyal and beneficent representative, 
the oppressed colored race its champion, emancipator, and this great Nation its 
political and patriotic savior. He had love too ardent, sympathies too deep, a soul 
too large, a heart too tender and a mission too catholic tmd comprehensive for any 
other country but this hmitless and Uberty-loving 

" Land of the free 
And home of the brave." 

His great achievements insj^ired hope in the pooi'est of the poor. His honesty 
placed merchandise and law on a higher plane. His becoming and uniform 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 117 

humanity gave worthy example to the rich and the great. His wiUing and indus- 
trious hand gave a dignity -to honest toil. His graceful can-iage and kindly de- 
meanor under highest honors gave a lesson to all rulers, and his noble life, 
crowned with a martj'r's death, gave testimony to a witnessing world that it is 
greater and diviner to die in a good cause than to live to see a Nation's liberties 
sacrificed. For 

" Whether on the scaffold high, 
Or in the battle's van ; 
The fittest place for man to die 
Is, when he dies for fellow man." 

In this eountrj^'s future the pure life and patriotic though tragic death of 
"Lincoln the Good," will inspire a spirit of Christian chivalry in tens of thousands 
of America's stalwart sons, and will give them a certainty that 

"Freedom's battles once begun. 
Bequeathed from bleeding sire to son, 
Though baffled oft are always won." 

Gtjaeds of Honor: — May God bless you for organizing to guai-d the fair fame 
and the good name of honest Abeaham Lincoln. Yours is a sacred trust. This 
is a fine monument. Its sparkling granite making it imperishable but fitly symbo- 
Uzes the enduring loyalty of our own Lincoln to truth, goodness and God. 

In England we teach our children to love its Cromwell. In Scotland they teach 
their children to love its WilMam Wallace: In Ireland they teach tlieir children to 
love its Daniel O'Connell. In Switzerland they teach their children to love its 
Winkelried. In Italy they teach their children to love its Garibaldi. In America, 
liumanity's refuge and freedom's hope and home, teach, oh teach your children to 
love, ever love, its Washington the Securer and Lincoln the Conservator of a 
Nation united, prosperous and free. 

"Then heart to heai-t 
And hand to hand 
Bound together let us stand; 
Storms are gathering 

O'er the land. 

Many friends are gone. 
Still we never are alone. 
Still the battle must be won. 
Still we bravely march right on — 

Eight on — Eight on ! " 

^Governor Shelby M. Cullom, being called on, delivered 
the following impromtu address: 

Ladies and Gentlemen: — I am ver>^ much gratified that the President of the 
Association made the remark that he did, that I was unexpectedly present, because 
you might suppose that I had an address for the occasion. I have not, and did 
not expect to say one word when I came upon the ground a few minutes ago, and 
I would decUne to do so now were it not for the fact that I feel it is the duty of 
every person to give countenance and encouragement to the movement that has 
been made by our friends here, in perfecting the organization of what is called 



118 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

"The Lincoln Guard of Honor." It is what ought to be done. I have always be- 
lieved, my friends, that as we receded in time from the period in which Mr. Lin- 
coln lived, we would jcome to more and more appreciate his life and his service to 
the country. And this movement convinces me more than ever that such is going 
to be the fact. 

As the Nation moves forward in civilization and political development, its people 
will more and more appreciate the life of Abraham Lincoln. I was thinking, as 
Mr. Conkling read that inaugural address, of the grandeur of the sentiment con- 
tained in it: "With malice toward none, with charity for all." I forget the exact 
words of the balance of that sentence; but think, my friends, of such words uttered 
by a man who had been stiiiggling with all the energy and power that belonged to 
a great man at the head of a nation. I say, think of such words in the midst of 
such a struggle, saying to the people: "With malice toward none, with charity for 
all, let us go forward in our work, as God gives us to see the right." 

And so with that sort of a heart, with that sort of a soul, with that sort of a 
manliood, he led the Nation through the trials through which it had to pass and 
saved it from overthrow by rebellion, and freed the people of this land, who, dur- 
ing the existence of the Nation, had been clogged in the manacles of slaveiy. I 
say, in that spirit this Nation was saved, and as it was saved he was stricken down 
who uttered those words to us, to you, to your children, and to the generations 
which are to come after us, "With charity for all, with malice toward none." 

I tell you, my friends, you may read the scriptures over and over, but you will 
find no sentiment that is purer, no sentiment that is nobler, no sentiment that is 
grander, within the lids of anj' book which you may open upon any occasion. 

I would not say another word, but that I see here a number of ladies especially 
who are strangers in our city, and who, perhaps, are not as weU acquainted with 
the personal life of ]Mr. Lincoln as some of us here at his home. It was my 
fortune to know Mr. Lincoln from the time I was as old as any of the smaller 
children here in this audience. I knew him from the time I was a little boy, and 
his whole life, whether private or public, is just what you see it in his inaugural 
address, in these letters that you have read, and in all his great public utterances 
that are famiUar to almost any one who reads at all. He was a man worthy of 
imitation in the family and in all circles and ramifications in society ; he was a 
quiet man, he was a modest man, he was a just man, and he was everything so far 
as a man could be, apparently, to make him a fit man to take care of the interests 
of a great nation and set an example before a free people worthy to follow. I 
believe it is said in early history that mothers used to point to Alexander and say 
to their children, be like him, and as was well said by our distinguished friend 
here, Mr. Affleck, awhile ago, referring to Washington and Lincoln, the mothei'S of 
America can, with just pride, say to their children, be hke Washington and Lin- 
coln. 

Lincoln's favorite poem, "0 Why Should the Spirit of 
Mortal Be Proud?" written in 1778 by Alexander Knox, of 
Edinburg, Scotland, was read by Mrs. Edward S. Johnson, 
the wife of one of our members: 

Oh! why should the spirit of mortal be proud?— 
Like a swift-fleeing meteor, a fast-flyinpr cloud, 
A flash of the liglitning, a break of the wave. 
He passetli from hfe to his rest in the grave 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 119 

The leaves of the oak and th(> willow shall fade, 

Be scattered around and together be laid; 

And the yonng and the old. and the low and the high. 

Shall moulder to dust and together shall lie. 

The infant, a mother attended and loved:' 
The mother, that infant's affection who proved; 
The husband, that mother and infant who blest,— 
Each, all, are away to their dwellings of rest. 

The maid on whose cheek, on whose brow, in whose eye. 
Shone beauty and pleasure— her triumphs are by. 
And the memory of those who loved her and praised. 
Are alike from the minds of the living erased. 

The hand of the king, that the sceptre hath borne. 
The brow of the priest, that the mitre hath worn,' 
The eye of the sage and the heart of the brave, 
Are hidden and lost in the depths of the grave, 

The peasant, whose lot was to sow and to reap. 
The herdsman, who climbed with his goats up the steep. 
The beggar who wandered in search of his bread, 
Have faded away like the grass that we tread. 

The saint, who enjoyed the communion of heaven. 
The sinner, who dared to remain uuforgiven. 
The wise and the foohsh, the guilty and just, 
Have quietly mingled their bones in the dust. 

So the multitude goes— like the flower or the weed. 
That withers away to let others succeed; 
So the multitude comes— even those we behold. 
To repeat every tale that has often been told; 

For we are the same our fathers have been; 
"VVe see the same sights our fathers have seen: 
We drink the same stream, we view tlie same sun, 
And run the same course our fathers have run. 

The thoughts we are thinking, om- fathers would think; 
From the death we are shrinking, our fathers would shrink; 
To the life we are chnging, they also would cling- 
But it speeds from us all, hke the bird on the wing. 

They loved— but the story we cannot unfold: 
They scorned— but the heart of the haughty is cold; 
They grieved— but no wail from their slumber will come; 
They joyed— but the tongue of their gladness is dumb. 

They died— ay, they died— we things that are now. 
That walk on the turf that hes over their brow. 
And make in their dwellings a transient abode. 
Meet the things that they met on their pilgrimage road. 

Yea! hope and despondency, pleasure and pain, 
Are mingled together in sunshine and rain; 
And the smile and the tear, the song and the dirge. 
Still follow each other, hke surge upon surge. 

'Tis the wink of an eye— 'tis the draught of a breath, 
From the blossom of health to the paleness of death; 
From the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud:— 
Oh! why should the spirit of mortal be proud? 



120 THE LINCOLN GUARD OP" HONOR. 

The song, "Let the President Sleep," by James M. 
Stewart, was then sung- by the Quintette Club. 

Let the President sleep; all his duty is done. 
He has lived for our glory, the triumph is won. 
At the close of the fight, like a warrior brave. 
He retires from the field to the rest of the grave. 

Hush the roll of the drum; hush the cannon's loud roar; 
He will guide us to peace through the battle no more. 
But now freedom shall dawn from the place of his rest. 
Where the star has gone down in the beautiful West. 

Tread lightly, breathe softly, and gratefully bring. 
To the sod that enfolds him the first flow'r of Spring, 
They will tenderly treasure the tears that we weep. 
O'er the grave of our chief. Let the President sleep. 

Let the President sleep! tears will hallow the ground. 
Where wc raise o'er his ashes the sheltering mound; 
And his spirit will sometimes return from above. 
There to mingle with others in ineffable love. 

Peace to thee, noble dead; thou hast battled the right. 
And hast won high reward from the Father of Light. 
Peace to thee martyr hero, and sweet be thy rest. 
When the sunlight fades oiit in the beautiful West. 

The ceremonies were concluded by Rev. J. H. Noble, of the 
First M. E. Church, who pronounced the benediction as fol- 
lows : 

May the bessing of God — the God of Nations — who giveth peace as man doth 
not give ; the blessing of the God of our fathers ; the God of Washington and 
Lincoln, be upon us, upon our country, upon our whole country, presenang us 
from eternal :strife— and lifting us to purit>^ of National life, so we may continue a 
free and good people, now and forever, for Christ's sake. Amen. 

The programme was completed within an hour. As it pro- 
gressed, the sun peneti-ated and dispelled the mist and clouds, 
and many to-daj, no doubt, cherish pleasant recollections of 
the first Memorial service conducted by The Lincoln Guard 
of Honor. 

A number of letters of regret from prominent persons in- 
vited to attend the services were received. The following 
extract from the letter of Lt.-Gov. Andrew Shuman will be of. 
interest : 

It is well and proper that the citizens of Mr. LiNCOiiN's own home city, near 
which his remains lie entombed, should set an example to the rest of the country 
by eoinmemorating the anniversaries of the terrible tragedy by which he was 
taken off. Whatever can be said or done by his surviving countrymen to keep his 
memory fresh, and to recall to mind and contemplation his patriotic devotion and 
his wise words, will be a service to the country he loved and the Union he saved. 
May his name and his ser^^ces live forever in all good heai'ts and minds. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 121 

At a meeting of the Liiieolu Guard of Honor, April 27, 
1880, after the transaction of the necessary routine business 
connected witli tlie previous Memorial service, on motion it 
was 

Resolced, That each of the fifteen members of the National Lincoln Monument 
Association, are hereby elected honorary members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 
and ai'e invited to attend at pleasure the meetings and memorial exercises held by 
the latter, and at all times advise and consult with the members of the same, upon 
any and all subjects calculated to keep in grateful remembrance the name and ser- 
vicesof Abraham Lincoln. 

Resolved, That tliis Guard of Honor adjourn to meet on Decoration Day (May 
29), at the National Lincoln Monument, to take part in the exercises connected 
with decorating the graves of those who died in assisting to suppress the slave- 
holders' rebelUon. 

Catacomb of t.-ie National Lincoln Monument, 

Decoration Day, Saturday, May 29, 1880, 

Half past two o'clock P. M. 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled near the door of 
the catacomb. 

Present — Dana, Reece, McNeill, Power, Chapin, Lindlej, 
AYig'gins, Johnson and Conkling, every member. 
I The Monument had previously been decorated by ladies, on 
tke part of Stephenson Post No. 30, of the Grand Army of 
', the Republic, and of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. The sar- 
cophagus was completely covered with white roses. During 
the forenoon, the rain had fallen in torrents, but cleared 
about noon. 

Before approaching the Monument, the members of The 
Guard of Honor had united with the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, — many of them being members of the latter organiza- 
tion,— in decorating, the graves of the Union soldiers buried 
in Oak Ridge Cemetery. 

On arriving at the Monument The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 
by previous arrangement, assumed the precedence. President 
G. S. Dana, conducting the services, introduced Rev. W. B. 
Affleck, who offered the following: 

INVOCATION. 

Oh, Thou great and merciful God, before whose high throne we bow, be pleased 
to hear our supplications, for Jesus Christ's sake. While we now stand with bowed 
spirits in Thy temple of nature, under the sunshine of Heaven, and under the 
shadow of the imperishable monument of a grand soul that is one of the brightest 
who is now with Thee, we thank Thee, Oh, we thank Thee for putting it into the 
hearts of these kind people to plant these beautiful flowers on the graves of the 



122 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

immoi'tal dead, for though dead they yet live, and ever will, not only in their 
bright mansions, Vjut in the memorj' of those brave comrades who still survive. 

Oh, God, we pray Thee comfort the widow of the good Lincoln, and mercifully 
bless his promising son. And do, oh Lord, bless this Lincoln Guard of Honor, 
and may they be rewarded for organizing to defend a name that now creates 
grateful joy in the hearts of thousands. Grant that the battle begun by our sleep- 
ing chief, may be continued by these Guards until all wrong shall die, and right 
and righteousness shall alone guide Thy universe, and the world in which Thou 
permitted us to so happily hve. Help us to be vaUant and virtuous till we all. 
meet in Heaven, and this we ask for the dear Eedeemer's sake. Amen. 

The door of the catacomb was then opened, and taking a 
position in front, 

CLINTON L. CONKLING, 

a member of The Guard of Honor, then dehvered the follow- 
ing- address: 

My Friends — Standing on hallowed ground, here on this Decoration Day, 
which, with its flowers, speaking of the past imto the present, recalls the sad and 
solemn thoughts of tlie dark days of the war. I seem to hear again ihe deep wail 
of anguish which went up from eveiy loyal breast, when Abraham Lincoln died. 
Never was a great Nation's heart more deeply stirred. The intensity of its emo- 
tion, showed the depth of its love. Men would have given up hfe, could ho b|it 
have lived. 

Through a gilef stiicken people by sorrowing friends he was brought to his 
home. No wai-m living words came from his lips to greet the thronging thousands, 
who, in silence, pressed to his bier. Calm and unmoved were the careworn fea- 
tures, though a Nation would have thrilled to have seen but a smile. The Presi- 
dent was dead. We laid him to rest in the heart of his own loved State, midst 
the scenes of his triumphs and by the home of his longing desire. They said his 
woi'k was done — well done and finished. We wept and waited, and each receding 
year has but more clearly revealed the noble character of the departed hero. On 
eveiy hand we see that his work was not done, nor will it be done till the name of 
the Nation he loved and saved shall have passed into the dim shadows of antiquity, 
and histoiy be no more. 

Men of aU ages will look to him as a guide, and many a youth now struggling 
against poverty and difficulty will, animated by his example, rise to manhood and 
victoiy. His work is not done. In the hearts of his countrymen lie still lives, an 
inspiration to noble living, patriotic devotion and pure statesmanship. For fifteen 
years loving hearts have remembered the martyr President, and kind hands have 
laid spring's choicest flowers upon his tomb. His friends and neighbors, one after 
another, are passing this spot, each to his own narrow resting place on yonder 
grassy slopes. The hand of time is pressing heavily on those who remain, and 
their faces are each year turning more and moi'e towards that last home of the 
body, in whose city we to-day stand. 

From the ranks of the old soldiers, each year go forth those who no more 
join with us in the services of Decoration Day, but wlio still have a part in it, 
because they are of that number whom we this day remember with WTeaths of 
flowers, emblerz:s of victory and immortality. There will be a day when the last . 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 123 

veteran, with bowed t'orin ami with eyes dimmed by age and tears, will place with 
trembling hands his offerings upon this, and then others will lay him gently to 
rest beside his comrades. 

Before this day comes, younger hearts must know the story of lives laid down 
for love of countiy, and younger hands must learn to do the work of love which 
we this day liave done. To tliis coming generation, and those which will follow, 
the precious dust which lies within these granite walls is a holy heritage, to be 
guaixled with care, and this is the sacred trust which has devolved upon The 
Lincoln Guard of Honor, who here to-day, surrounded by brotherly hearts, lay 
their floral offerings over the remains, the care and protection of which it is their 
duty to undertake. 

While we thus honor the departed, we appeal to the living, never to forget them 
nor their deeds. The golden chain of memory, to which this day adds another 
link, binds us to too rich a past to be idly broken. From its stories of devotion 
and self-sacrifice draw lessons of present need, and let not the life's blood of the 
humble privaite and the great chief have been shed in vain. Kevere the noble 
dead — love the re-united countiy for which they died, and never, by word or deed, 
dishonor the grand old flag whose stai-ry folds are a Nation's standard. 

The wives of the members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 
had prepared nine wreaths of evergreen and nine boquets. At 
the close of the address, one of each ^Yas placed in the hands 
of the nine members of The Guard of Honor. At the word 
of command from President Dana, the Guard moved in a 
-body, into the Catacomb, and laid their wreaths upon the 
bed of roses on the sarcophagus, lapping one upon another 
so as to cover the entire length of the sarcophagus. The 
nine boquets were then placed in upright positions within the 
loops formed by the overlapping wreaths. Thus ended the 
decoration ceremonies on the part of The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor. 

As many of the members of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public as could do so, entered the catacomb with The 
Guard of Honor. The procession then moved to the east 
side of the Monument, where a congregation of citizens had 
assembled, and the exercises were closed on tlie part of the 
Grand Army of the Republic, by an address from Adjutant 
General H. H. Hilliard. 

At a business meeting of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, at 
the Leland Hotel, Dee. 2, 1880, an informal discussion was 
held as to the manner we should observe the approaching 
anniversary of Lincoln's birth, and the prevailing opinion 
arrived at was that it would be imprudent at that time to 
incur the expense necessary to make it a success, and the 
subject was dismissed. 



124 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



DIVISION EIGHTH, 

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-ONE. 



Second Annual Meeting and Election of Officers — Observance of the Sixteenth 
Anniversary of the Death of Lincoln, being our Second Memorial Service — 
Oration by Rev. Dr. Sturtevant, an exceedingly valuable contribution to His- 
toiy and to Literture — Two versions of Mr. Lincoln's Gettj'sburg Address — 
Valuable address by Hon. H. H. Thomas — Reading of Selections by Clinton 
L. Conkling — Address by Rev. W. B. Affleck — Grand Army Services at tlie 
Monument — Decoration of the Sarcophagus — The Picture that constitutes the 
Frontispiece to this Volume. 



The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 

Leland Hotel, February 12, 1881. 
7:30 o'clock p. m. 
Second annual meeting assembled here instead of at the 
Monument, in consequence of the inclemency of the weather. 
The treasurer's report showed that the receipts and dis- 
bursements for the year had been $65.25 each. Eeport ap- 
proved . 

The election of officers was next held. On a separate ballot 
each, G. S. Dana, was elected President, J. N. Reece, Vice- 
President, J. C. Power, Secretary, and Jas. F. McNeill, Treas- 
urer, all for one year. On motion it was 

Resolved, That The Lincoln Guard of Honor wiU observe the Sixteenth Anni- 
versary of the Death of President Abraham Lincoln, by holding appropriate ser- 
vices at the Catacomb of the National Lincoln Monument, on the morning of April 
15, 1881, beginning at seven o'clock and twenty-two minutes. 

Business meetings were held April 7th and 12th, chiefly to 
prepare for the observance of the Sixteenth Anniversary of 
the death of President Lincoln. 



THE LINCOLN GUAKD OF HONOR. 125 

OuK HKroNi) Memorlvl Service. 

Programme of momoiiiil services, to be held on the sixteenth anniversary of the 
deatli of Abraham Lincoln. Services will begin exactly at seven o'clock and 
twenty-two minutes, on the morning of April 15th, corresponding with the time of 
Pi"esident Lincoln's death. They will be held at thd Catac^omb of the National 
Lincoln Monument, under the auspices of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. A cor- 
dial in%atation is extended to all citizens, and strangers who may be in the city, to 
be present and unite in the sennces. 

ORDER OF EXERCISES. 

Prater, - - By Kev. F. D. Eickerson, of the Central Baptist Church. 

SiNCJiNG, --- - - - - - "America." 

By the Young Men's Christian Association Chorus. 
Frank M. Wills, Edward Wills, H. M. Call, 

Frank L. Fuller, W. F. Freiding>^r, Frank Ruth. 

Address, - - By Rev. J. M. Sturtevant, D. D., Jacksonville, 111. 

Reading, ----- Lincoln's Geftyshurg Speech. 

By Rev. T. A. Parker, of the First Methodist Church. 
Singing, ----- "Let the President Sleep." 

Address, - - By Gen. H. H. Thomas, Speaker House of Representatives. 
Reading. - - - Extract from Speech of President Lincoln, 

By Clinton L. Coukhug. 
Address, - - - By the Rev. W. B. Affleck, York, England. 

SiNCUNG, ----- "The Call of the Roll on High." 

Prayer and Benediction, - By Rev. Roswell 0. Post, of the Congregational 

Church. 

Near the Catacoimb of the National Lincoln Monument, 
• Springfield, III., Friday, April 15, 1881, 
Seven o'clock and Twenty-two Minutes, A. M. 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor Assembled : 

Present — Dana, Reece, McNeill, Power, Wiggins, Lindley, 
Conkling, Johnson and Chapin. Every member being- present, 
with from three to four hundred citizens and strangers. An 
uiiusuallv cold wind for the season was blowing from the 
west, which made it necessary to move the platform from 
the door of the catacomb to the east side of the Monument. 
The sarcophagus was buried in evergreens, flowers and flower- 
ing plants. Festoons of flags overhung the door to the 
catacomb. 

President Dana took the platform, and exactty at seven 
o'clock and twenty-two minutes introduced Rev. F. D. Rick- ' 
erson, pastor of the Central Baptist Church, who offered the 
following 



126 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



PRAYER. 

Lord, thou has been our dweUing place in all generations. Before the moun- 
tains were brought forth or ever thou hast formed the earth or the world, even 
from everlasting to everlasting thou ait God. Thou tm-nest man to destruction 
and sayest, return, ye children of men, for a thousand years in thy sight are but 
as yesterday when it is passed, and as the watch in the night. 

Here, God, in the presence of our dead, in the presence of a Nation's dead, 
we recognize thine infinite justice. We remember thy boundless mercy. Thou 
turncst man to destruction. Judgment and justice are the habitation of thy 
throne. Yet thou rememberest that we are but dust. Thou knowest our frame 
and thou lovest us. We thank thee, O God, for the gift of this great man, whose 
memory we come to-day to venerate. We thank thee for Abraham Lincoln, the 
tender father, the generous, loving neighbor and friend, the wise, far-seeing states- 
man, the honored and revered President and the martyr to a holy faith in human 
Uberty and National unity. And though in thy wise and inscrutable providence he 
fell by the cowardly hand of treason, yet, O God, we thank thee that out of that 
chance has sprung and will ever spring the hohest recollection, the purest grati- 
tude and the noblest aspiration and love of this Nation, for which he died. We 
pray thee, God, that our children may revere his mcmoiy, imitate his virtues and 
presen-e and defend this Union, cemented by his blood. 

And now, O God, om* God, we pray thee to bless this great Nation which thou 
hast brouglit through baptisms of fu'e and of blood, to this hour of prosperity and 
peace. Make us one, God — one in holy unity for the honor of thy name. May 
we be a people whose God is the Lord, a Nation exalted by righteousness. Make 
us one, God, make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us 
and the years wherein we have seen evil. EstabUsh the work of thy hands upon 
us, and to thy name will we give the gloiy — to thy name, God our Father, and 
to thy Son Jesus Christ and to the Holy Spirit for evermore. Amen. 

The Young Men's Christian Association Chorus, Frank Wills, 
Frank Ruth, Frank L. Fuller, W. Freidinger, H. M. Call and 
Edward Wills, sang our National Hjmn. 

AMERICA. 



BT EEV. S. F. SMITH, D. D. 



My country 'tis of thee. 
Sweet land of liberty. 

Of thee we sing; 
Land where my fathers died; 
Land of the pilgrim's pride, 
From every mountain side 

Let freedom ring. 

My native country thee. 
Land of the noble free. 

Thy name I love. 
I love thy rocks and rills, 
Thy woods and templed hills. 
My heart with rapture thrills, 

Like that above. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 127 

Let music swell the breeze. 
And ring from all the trees 

Sweet freedom's song. 
Lot mortal tongues awake. 
Let all that breathe partake. 
Let rocks their silence break. 

The sound prolong. 

Our fathers' God— to Thee, 
Author of Liberty, 

To Thee wo sing; 
Long may our land be bright 
With freedom's holy light- 
Protect us by thy might. 

Great God o\ir King. 

Rev. Julian M. Stiirtevant, D. D., ex-President of Illinois 
Colleg-e, at Jacksonville, then delivered an address, which, on 
account of its length, I ^vonld reduce, but it is too valuable 
for me to mar by leaving- any part of it buried in our records, 
therefore I give it entire. 

DR. STURTEV ant's ORATION. 

In the year 1865, one bright April morning, I was on the street near my own 
house at au early hour. I soon met a neighbor. As he approached me lie uttered 
words too hoiTible for me to comprehend. They shocked and appalled me; but I 
did not seem myself to comprehend them. The truth was that my mind re- 
fused to admit their awful import to be a possibihty. Overwhelmed with horror, 
I asked him what he had said. His words fell on my ear clear and distinct, with 
all their awful import. President Lincoln was assassinated last night. I under- 
stood the fact, but how slowly did the mind rise to the full comprehension of all 
which was impUed in the dreadful words, President Lincoln assassinated last nignt! 

In the days that followed that dark and awful morning, the world beheld such a 
spectacle of a Nation's mourning, as the sun never looked down on before. This 
looks hke the language of exaggeration; I do not so use it. It is the language of 
simple truth. Let us interrogate these words, and ask them if there is any exag- 
geration in them. The event powerfully suggested the mourning of the Jewish 
people when Josiah fell. But that mourning did not reach across a continent. It 
was Umited to the httle country of Palestine, shut in by Mount Lebanon and the 
Syrian desert. It only extended for a hundred or two miles along the shores of 
the Mediterranean. This spread over hill and vaUey from the Atlantic to the Pa- 
cific. Talk of Rome's mourning, when Caesar fell ; or of the mourning of France 
when the hand of the assassin stnick down her reno^vned monarch, Henry TV; of 
Russia, when Alexander II, the hberator of her serfs, was torn in pieces in the 
streets of his own capital, by an infernal missive thrown by unseen foes. In all 
these cases the comparison is absurd, and can affect us only by contrast. 

There was, indeed, a Roman populace that mourned for Csesar; but of aU the 
miUions that inliabited the vast territory of the empire, there were comparatively 
few who felt one heart throb of sorrow for the death of Ca?sai'. All they could 
■wish would be that there might be no successor to f)verrun their countiy bj" iron 
tread of Roman legions. Few of the people of France could feel that in the vio- 
lent death of the head of the French monarchy, they had lost a personal friend 



128 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

and brother. To the millions of Eussian peasants that dwell between the Caspian 
and the Baltic, can the Czar be anything but an almost mythical embodiment of 
the head of the Eussian monarchy and the eastern church. 

How widely different from all this our National mourning for Abraham Lincoln. 
It was not the President, but the ]\IAX we mourned, The Presidency had only 
set him on high, where all might see him, and know him, and love him. It was 
not for fallen greatness, but for fallen goodness, which greatness had only made 
conspicuous. For four long yeai's he had stood before us as the Uving impersona- 
tion of our intensest convictions, and om* most fervid patriotic affections. We 
knew the man ; we knew his every heart-throb, and had felt his heart beating in 
harmony with our own. His brain had throbbed with our thoughts, his heart had 
beat with our emotions, his hand had struck the blow which our united wills had 
dictated. That heart has ceased to beat, that brain has been pierced and de- 
spoiled by the bullet of the villainous assassin, tliat hand Ues stiff and motionless 
in death. The Nation's friend, brother, father, has fallen by a cruel and guilty 
hand. This was our National mourning from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from 
Lake Superior to the Gulf. I say the Gulf, for over all those regions involved in 
the late rebellion, four milhons of gratefid emancipated slaves mourned the cruel 
death of their liberator. He was their dehverer. 

It is a worthy and noble task which The Lincoln Guard of Honor have ander- 
taken to perform ; to transmit by appropriate memorial services, and thus yeaiiy 
giving a voice to these silent stones, the name, the memorj', the honor, the virtues 
of Abraliam Lincoln, fresh and bright as on the morning of his death, to each ris- 
ing generation, and to all after times. It is an honor to any man, to be permitted 
to assist in constructing one hnk in this endless chain of memories. I thank The 
Lincoln Guard of Honor for giving me this honor on this occasion. 

The occasion that calls us together to-day is not a mere expression of sentiment, 
it is a labor of love ; not merely of mourning affection for the Nation's murdered 
friend and brother, but of love to the dear country, which Mr. Lincoln loved so 
well. The men of this generation owe a duty to all coming generations, to trans- 
mit to them untarnished and unimpaired, the precious legacy which that great 
man left to his country in all ages of the future. That legacj^ consists, not merely 
in those institutions wiiich he defended from the^ destroyer, and preserved to bless 
the distant future, but pre-eminently in his character, his unique and shining vir- 
tues. To treat this part of the subject exliaustively, on this occasion, is quite 
impossible. Yet, to employ the littie time I have at my command, in alluding to 
a very few points of it, is perhaps the fittest tiling I can attempt. 

On the day that the news reached us of the surrender of Lee's army, I sjjent a 
few hours in this city. During that brief stay, I remember to have had a conver- 
sation with a life-long friend, a lady now residing here, who knew Mr. Lincoln 
well, and loved him as I did. In that conversation, we anticipated the future of 
his hfe. We looked forward to the time when, wearing the brightest honors his 
grateful country' could bestow, he would retiu'n to his home in the midst of us, 
and from the high position he had won, he would, like a bright luminary in the 
heavens, shed upon us all the benign and tranquil light of his wisdom and his vir- 
tues. From that tranquil sphere of private life, we hoped he would shine on 
through many years ^"eaching us all, teaching mankind the grandest lesson of his 
life. How soon were all these bright hopes to be cruelly disappointed! In a few 
short days the murderous hand of the assassin would accomphsh his dreadful work! 



THK LlNCOIvN GUARD OF HONOR. 129 

And yet the great lessons of Mr. Lincoln's life are not to be lost to coming ages 
Perhaps the terriltle catastrophe may be appointed of God to carry down those 
lessons to coming generations, with all the greater emphasis. The impression of 
that long funeral procession, through the great cities of the Atlantic coast and the 
most thronged thoroughfare of the continent, through Chicago, to this, his sacred 
resting place, will never be effaced from the mind of the Nation. It impressed on 
the hearts of millions of our people the great practical truth, that it is possible in 
our countiy, for one to rise from the profoundest obscurity to the loftiest position, 
and the most brilliant honors ever attained by an American citizen ; from the rude 
cabin of the Kentucky railsplitter, to the most exalted place among the rulers of 
the world, without one of the tricks of the mere politician, or one of the wiles of 
the demagogue, simply by the favor of God and his country, on his eminent 
talents, his fidelity to princijile, and his shining virtues. The greatest danger to 
which the more aspiring youth of our countr\' are exposed, is that they will seek 
to cUmb to the high places of the land at the sacrifice of their principles, their 
conscience, and their manhood. Mr. Lincoln's career teaclies them that there is a 
more excellent way, even the way of truth and righteousness. It is fit tliat as far 
as possible, this occasion should give emphasis to this sacred lesson. 

I do not at all doubt or deny that Mr. Lincoln desired and enjoyed the dignities 
and honors of high and honorable station ; but tliis was not the controlling motive 
which impelled him onward in his political career. That motive was the love of 
his country, and of righteousness. During the ever memorable .^^truggle between 
Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, in 1858, I one day happened to be at the station in 
Jacksonville, when the train arrived from Springfield. Mr. Lincoln came from the 
train and we walked together to the hotel. I said to him, you seem weary and 
careworn, you must be having a weary time of it. I am, he replied with empha- 
sis. I would instantl}' abandon the conte.st, if I did not know that if the doctrine 
of the political indifference of slavery prevails, this will be a slave State in less 
than fifteen years; but I do know it, and I must fioht it out to the last. Thei'e 
we see the internal force that impelled him. 

Many of the older persons present will well remember the political speech which 
he made in the Representatives Hall, at the old State House, on the opening of the 
ever memorable campaign of 1800. He opened his speech with those thrilling, 
never to be forgotten words : "This country cannot long remain as it is, half 
slave and half free. It icill soon become all slave or all free." I was present on 
that occasion, and remember the burning emphasis with which those words were 
uttered. His whole heart was in them. You will obsei've that it was the same 
sentiment which he uttered to me two years before. This was, in Mr. Lincoln's 
mind, the key note of the whole conflict then going on The next day an old tried 
political friend, ah'eady a veteran in the ranks of anti-slavery, from whose lips I 
had this part of the anecdote, called on Mr. Lincoln and said to him : "Mr. Lin- 
coln, that opening statement of yours is too radical ; we cannot stand up to it ; it 
will ruin us ; you must modify it." His reply was, "No, I have constructed that 
statement with the greatest possible deliberation and care ; I cannot change a 
syllable of it. We must stand by it." There was the force that impelled Mr. 
Lincoln, and made him Px*esident of the United States, the saviour of the Repub- 
lic, and the Uberator of four milhons of slaves. He could afford to be defeated in 
the contest, but he could not afford to recede one hair's bi'eadth from that princi- 
ple. He clearly saw a principle, and that on its prevalence the future of our dear 
countiy depended, and by that principle he would sink or swim. No man had a 



130 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

more sensitive conscience than he. He felt himself bound by his allegiance and 
his oath, to be true to every jot and tittle of the Constitution of the United States. 
To that obUgation he always meant to be scrupulously faithful. But within the 
limits of the Constitiition he always meant to choose universal liberty, when lie 
knew its alternative was universal slavery. He who understands and will logically 
apply that principle, will perfectly understand the public career of Abraham Lin- 
coln. For that principle he fearlessly periled his all ; and thus bei;ame for aU 
posterity the great, the wise, the good. He won a reputation which assured to 
him everlasting remembrance. 

Mr. Lincoln never conll have won even temporary greatness by any other 
means, much less could he have won lasting fame. In the craft of the mere poli- 
tician, and the wiles of the demagogue, there were many men around him who 
were greatly his superiors. If he had attempted to vanquish them in the use of 
their weapons, he would soon have been utterly vanquished in the conflict. But 
worse than that, he would have suffered all the agony of self-reproach. He had 
a sublime faith in truth, and righteousness, and God, and dared to risk his all 
upon them ; and therefore he was invincible. 

Not long after Mr. Lincoln's death, I remember to have read an exceedingly 
fine compliment of him as a Supreme Court law^'er, from one of his brethren at 
the bar. "Mr. Lincoki," said he, "would have been a first rate Supreme Court law- 
yer, if he had not been a little too honest sometimes, and thus damage a bad cause 
entrusted to him." This points directly to one of the most fundamental and beauti- 
ful traits of chai-acter, his all absorbing love of truth, and its necessary conse- 
quence, that perfect candor, in which, I may almost say, he surpassed all the other 
men I have ever kno^^^l. He was the most truthful of men. When I had spent an 
hour in conversing with him, I always left him with the most undoubting convic- 
tion that I knew exactly what he thought, and how he felt on the subjects on which 
we had conversed, at least so far as he had attempted to express himself in respect 
to them. This quality threw a wonderful charm over even his political speeches. 
He had a magic power to disarm prejudice, and to open the way for truth, which 
he desired to utter to the inner hearts of his hearers. This is the reason why he 
had more power than most other men, to win men to the acceptance of tniths 
which in their fu^st announcement were unwelcome to his hearers. He had that 
most desirable power to a greater degree than most other men, and by means of 
it he extended a most beneficial influence on the world. 

Mr. Lincoln had one trait of character which pre-eminently quaUfied him for 
the great part he was to act in the deliverance of our country from slavery, the 
importance of which has not often been noticed. Every great social reform im- 
peratively demands the presence and activity of two styles of character, which 
are not only unlike, but almost contradictory to each other. They ai-e the des- 
stnictive and constructive ; the function of the former being to agitate, to make 
men conscious of the diseases under which society is suffering and keenly alive 
to the urgent need of a remedy at whatever cost. The function of the construc- 
tive is to reconstruct society on such principles as to eliminate the cause or causes 
of existing e\als, and render society capable of healthy action and growth. The 
men who were conspicuous in the earlier years of the anti-slavery struggle were 
entirely of the destructive character. It must necessarily have been so. Nothing 
could then be done. Apathy of a most alarming character had fallen upon the 
body politic. It had become in a great degree tolerant of slavery, with all its ten- 
dencies to barbarism, and was rapidly becoming accustomed to regard it as a nor- 



THE LIN(lOLN GUAUD OF HONOR. 131 

ni.il part of the National Constitution, and inseparable from the National life. The 
first thing which could be done was to rouse the Nation from this .fatal letliargy, 
and make it keenly sensitive to the morbid symptoms it was experiencing, and 
alive to the necessity of some remedy. This istlie first stage in any social reform; 
and in that stage of the anti-slavery reform, the burning denunciatory eloquence 
of Garrison and his associates, applied to the Nation those burning caustics, 
which alone afforded the only hope of rendering the patient capable of cure. 
As a people we owe a debt of gratitude to the men of that school which we 
can never repay. They dealt in nothing but caustics, and by caustics only could 
we be roused from our fatal lethargy. The Constitution of the United States, said 
Wendell Phillips, is a covenant with death and a league with hell, because it toler- 
ated slavery. When heroic treatment had irritated the body politic to a certain 
degree of vital sensibility, another mode of treatment became necessary, to which 
these men were quite unaccustomed, and to which they had little adaptation. It 
was to propound a system of practical statesmanship, the effect of which would 
be to arrest the progress of the disease, and rally the healthful forces of the sys- 
tem to resist and eradicate the morbid influence. The commencement of this cur- 
ative process, dates fi-om the organization of the RepubUcan party, upon the per- 
fectly clear and definite principle, that hereafter slavery was to be regarded as 
local, and freedom was to be National ; freedom the principle, slavery a local ex- 
ception. That exception was to be extended no farther. The principles of the 
Republican party were purely constructive, there was nothing destructive in them. 
The party proposed to administer the Constitution strictly according to the de- 
clared intention of its framers, for the purpose of estabhshing liberty. Where ex- 
ceptions had been already established, in the past history of the government, the 
par-ty had no thought of interfering with them. But its purpose was, in the future 
growth of the Nation, to develope and establish the principles of the Constitution, 
and not certain exceptions to those principles, which, though they had perhaps been 
inevitable in the past, were seen to threaten destruction to liberty in the future. 

Mr. Lincoln was by nature conservative. He held every jot and title of the Con- 
stitution as sacred. His enemies called him a radical ; but it was a misnomer and 
a slander. Reverence was the strongest element in his character. But he knew 
what to revere. He revered the Constitution as the fathers made it. He revered 
that fundamental principle of the Conslitution which they declared to be hberty, 
and not that exceptional slavery, which from a supposed necessity they had per- 
mitted in certain eases, yet with such hatred of the thing, that they refused to 
admit the word into the sacred charter of a Nation's liberty. Mr. Lincoln was 
the ver>^ incarnation of this conservative character of his party. Under his ad- 
ministration the Constitution would not be destroj^ed, but defended and developed 
according to the ti'ue design of the instrument. Mr. Lincoln was often accused 
of inconsistency, both in this country and on the other side of the Atlantic. But 
the ver>' acts which were alleged as inconsistencies were those in which his con- 
sistency was most remarkable. I should hke to illustrate this, but I have not the 
time. 

This is the true reason, as I believe, why there never was and never will be any 
successful reaction against the measures inaugurated by Mr. Lincoln and his 
party, during the terrible civil war. They did not destroy, but defended the Con- 
stitution of the Nation, and develope it. The measures of the great reforming 
party in England, in the time of Charles I, and of Cromwell, were utterly over- 
turned, because of the National Constitution. Ours will stand forever, because 



132 THE IJNCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

they establish the Constitution. The administration of the British government in 
the time of George III, subverted the freedom of tluit Constitution in the colonies. 
The patriots of the revolution were strictly conservatives. They refused to accept 
the bondage which the British government sought to impose on them, and adopted 
another constitution to conserve that liberty, which the British constitution had 
been employed to subvert. LibertA^ was the life of the Constitution, and they con- 
served it. In exactly the same manner, Mr. Lincoln and his partj' conserved 
liberty at the time of our great civil war. From that far off, dim antiquity when 
King John granted Magna Charta, to the present hour, and in every great conflict 
which has occurred, liberty has triumphed and been developed, as the \dtal ele- 
ment of national life. I have faith in righteousness, liberty and God, to believe it 
will be so in all the future. In the English race liberty^ is always national and 
slaverj'^ sectional. Liberty is always the life of nationahty. 

I believe Mr, Lincoln to have been a truly devout man, at least in his spirit. I 
must sorrowfully own that the aspects of the Christian churcli in our day, one far 
from being such as to present Christianity in a satisfactoiy light to such a mind 
as his. The conception of the divine founder of our i-eligion is far enough from 
finding satisfactoiy expression in the organic arrangements and the religious 
speech of our times. I have no doubt that the confusion and reUgious anarchy in 
the midst of which we are living, occassioned him a great deal of perplexity, and 
suggested a great deal of unnatural and unwholesome doubt, as it does to a great 
many other minds. It is high time that the church of all denominations should 
set herself in earnest to the work of such a readjustment as will give her the 
power of winning and holding such minds as that of Mr. Lincoln. It is to her the 
most solemn duty of the hour. 

But our martyr President was a sincere man. When on the platform of the 
Great Western railway station, on the eve of his departure for Washington, to 
assume the high place to whicli he had been elected, he made that ever memorable 
address to the assembled multitude, in which he begged them all to pray for him, 
that he might obtain that help from God, in his great tnist, with whicli he would 
be sure to succeed in his arduous imdertaking, and without which he would be 
sure to fail, he only manifested the deep devoutness of his heart. The crowd he 
was addressing was not so devout, that to win their favor, he was forced to feign 
a devoutness he did not feel. Those words which, at the time and on so many 
occasions since, have drawn tears from many eyes, little accustomed to shed them, 
were no artful trick of rhetoric ; they were the honest expressions of the pro- 
foundest convictions of his understanding, the most cherished sentiments of his 
heart. He made that morning a true exhibition of his character. He well knew 
the peril himself and his country were in, and he exhorted his fellow citizens to 
unite with him in looking to God, as the only efficient helper in such an hour of 
need. There in that devout trust in God, was the hiding of his power. The 
emancipation of four millions of slaves, and the restoration of our disrupted 
coiintiy to unity, were in it. That was the germ which the glorious fruitage 
of this administration, through all the future of the Nation's history, is but the 
developement, the seed from which our Nation is to grow and flower and bear fruit, 
for the healing of the Nations, is found in the moral virtues and the rehgious 
devoutness of a righteous man. 

One word before I close, to the men who are in this audience. Do you desire to 
imitate the splendid career of Abraham Lincoln. Imitate, then, his example. 
Fear God and trust him. Believe that if you are faithful to him he will take care 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



133 



of you, and always bo ready to help yon, and yotii- countrj^ in every hour of need. 
Love righteousness and dare to do it in great things and small. Love truth as 
Mr. Lincoln loved it. Seek for it as for silver, and search for it as for hid 
treasures. Then shall you understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge 
of God, Then will you learn how to wield those forces of the moral world, which 
are more powerful in controlling masses of men, in ruling nations and guiding the 
human race, to the attainment of its appointed destiny, than the power of steam 
in mere physical achievement. 

President Dana then introdnced Rev. T. A.' Parker, Pastor 
of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Springfield. Mr._ 
Parker, by way of prelude said : 

On November 19, 1863, a portion of the battle field of Gettysburg, bought by the 
State of Pennsylvania, was consecrated as a burial place for those who had fallen 
in the fight. The occasion was grand ; both from the memories of the scene, and 
on account of the imposing ceremonies. Edward Everett was the chief orator, 
and the assembled thousands listened in silent admiration, to the incomparable 
address ; but when Mr. Lincoln rose and faced the vast audience they crowded 
closely to the platorm, to catch every word. He held in his hand a small piece of 
yellow paper on which was written his oration, as if done in a brief interval of his 
great work. His words fell upon the hearts of the multitude like the dew of 
Heaven, and moved them to sobs and broken cheers. No composition of classic^ 
ages or modem times, surpasses the simple gradeur of this address. 

The editor adds that the battle fought there between the 
Union and rebel forces July 1, 2, 3, terminating in a com- 
plete rout of the rebels, on the morning of the 4th, 1863, 
leaving the Union armies in possession of the field ; that and 
the surrender of forty thousand rebel soldiers with all their 
munitions of war, to the Union armies at Vicksburg, Missis- 
sippi, on the same day, baptized anew, July Fourth, as our 
^National Independence Day. 



President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. 

Eead by Eev. T. A. Parker. 



There are two versions of this re- 
markable speech. This left hand col- 
umn contains it as it was delivered Nov. 
19, 1863, on the battle field. This is 
copied from the St. Nicholas Magazine 
for June, 1881. In each case the punc- 
tuation and paragraphs are followed ex- 
actly. 



This is as it was copied by Mr Lin- 
coln for the Soldiers and Sailors Fair at 
Baltimore in the autumn of 1864. It is 
copied from afar simile of the original, 
in the St. Nicholas Magazine, for Sept., 
1881, and is beyond doubt, the form in 
which he desired that it should go down 
in hlstoiT. 



134 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



Where the two vei'sions differ, the words are in italics. 



Four score and seven years ago, our 
fathers brought forth upon this conti- 
nent a new nation, conceived in Liberty, 
and dedicated to the proposition that 
all men are created equal. Now, we are 
engaged in a great civil war, testing 
"whether that nation, or any nation so 
conceived and so dedicated, can long 
endure. We are met on a great battle 
field of that war. We are met to dedi- 
cate a portion of it as the final resting 
place of those who here gave their lives 
that that Nation might Uve. It is alto- 
gether fitting and proper that we should 
do this. But, in a larger sense, we can- 
not dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we 
cannot hallow, this ground. The brave 
men, living and dead, who struggled 
here, consecrated it fai' above our power 
to add or to detract. The world will 
little note, nor long remember what we 
say here, but it can never forget what 
they did here. It is for us, the living, 
rather tu be dedicated here to the un- 
finished work that they have thus far 
so nobly carried on. It is rather for us 
to be here dedicated to the great task 
remaining before us ; that from these 
honored dead we take increased devo- 
tion to the cause for which they here 
gave the last full measure of devotion ; 
that we here highly resolve that the 
dead shall not have died in vain ; that 
the Nation shall, under God, have a 
new birth of freedom ; and that govern- 
ment of the people, by the people, and 
for the people, shall not perish from the 
earth. 



Four score and seven years ago, our 
fathers brought forth on this continent, 
a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and 
dedicated to the proposition that all 
men are created equal. 

Now we are engaged in a great civil 
war, testing whether that nation or any 
nation so conceived and so dedicated, 
can long endure. We are met on a great 
battlefield of that war. We have come 
to dedicate a portion of that field, as a 
final resting place for those who here 
gave their Uves that that nation might 
live.. It is altogether fitting and proper 
that we should do this. 

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedi- 
cate — we cannot consecrate — we caimot 
hallow — this ground. The brave men, 
living and dead, who struggled here, 
have consecrated it, far above our poor 
power to add or detract. The world 
will little note, nor long remember what 
we say here, but it can never forget 
what they did here. It is for us the 
living, rather, to be dedicated liere to 
the unfinished work which they who 
fotight here have thus far so nobly ad- 
vanced. It is rather for us to be here 
dedicated to the great task remaining 
before us, that from these honored dead 
we take increased dev(^tion to that cause 
for which they gave the last full meas- 
ure of devotion — that we here highly 
resolve that these dead shall not have 
died in vain — that this nation, under 
God, shall have a new birth of freedom 
— and that government of the people, 
Ijy the people, for the people, shall not 
perish from the earth. 

Abkaham Lincoln. 

Nov, 19, 1863. 



Let the president sleep was then sung. 

President Dana next introduced Gen. H.H. Thomas, Speaker 
of the Ilhnois House of Representatives, then in session, who 
dehvered the following : 



Address by Gen. H. H. Thomas. 

Mr. President, Gentlemen of The Lincoln Guard of Honor and Fellow Citizens : 
One of your number on yesterday afternoon kindly invited me to occupy five 
minutes of time this morning, which I consented to do, and I certainly promise 
that I will not overstep the limits of the time in this inclement season. 

I think it eminently fitting and proper that .we should for a time lay aside our 
usual a%ocations and gather at this consecrated spot to pay the tribute of our affec- 
tionate admiration to the memoiy of the illustrious dead whose ashes respose 



THE LINCOLN GUAHD OF HONOR. 135 

here. It was sixteen years ago last night since tlie madman fir(>d tlie shot "heard 
around the world," which laid low one whom I believe I voice the universal senti- 
ment in pronouncing the foremost man of his time, and "take him for all in all" the 
greatest man this country has produced. It needed but the dark tragedy of Foi'd's 
Theatre to set out in proper relief the simple and harmonious qualities which had 
made him so truly illustrious, even — and I say it reverently — as the portentous, 
shadows of Calvary furnished the background for the shining, radiant glories of 
the Christ. Of course in the few minutes which are allotted to me, I can but 
glance at the character of Illinois' — I should rather say of America's— great son. 
Like the granite shaft that lifts itself above his ashes, it was severely, simple and 
plain. Little of "the divinity" which "doth hedge a king" surrounded Abraham 
Lincoln. I saw him often in those darkest days of the Nation's agony. I was in 
the War Department at Washington at the time, and I remember, in those fateful 
summer days of 1862, when the Grand Army of Washington was being 
slaughtered in the swamps around Richmond, as it slowly fighting, retreated to 
the James river, that the good President used often to come quietly over to the 
War Department and sit for hours in the office of the Secretary of War — his 
trusted Secretary — and listen to the painful tidings as they came from tlie field. 
I remember the awful anxietj^ that sat upon those plain, strong, homely features, 
and again later, in the succeeding winter, when Burnside led that fruitless and 
bloody, storming of the heights at Fredericksburg, with that same noljle army — 
and it seemed as if 

"Unmerciful disaster 
Followed fast and followed faster" 

its fortunes— I saw him once more with that look of ineffable sadness upon his 
face. It really seemed as if he bore within his great heart the burden of -all our 
troubles, and as if he was of all men the man you would point to and say that he 
was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." I have often thought I should 
have loved to see him after the great burden was hfted, when peace had coma with 
victory and its laurels — to have seen him riding through the streets of conquered 
Eichmond, heard the glad acclaims of those sons and daughters of Africa, and seen 
that peculiar smile which used to light up his face. And I rememV)er, too, how 
gentle he always was, whether in the presence of a carping Senator, an arrogant 
General or a Department Clerk — always the most kindly, courteous gentleman was 
Abraham Lincoln. 

Much as we abhor the crime of Wilkes Booth, I doubt if he were an enemy to 
the fame of Abraham Lincoln. That life which he cut off so cruelly and suddenly 
was a full-rounded life. Abraham Lincoln had worthily won and worn the highest 
honors of the Eepublic. He had succeeded in a seemingly impossible task of 
crushing out the mightiest rebellion known to history, and he had been hailed by 
four millions of liberated souls as Emancipator. What more was there of human 
achievements for him? His work was done, and well done, and we might appro- 
priately apply the language of the poet when he speaks of a great Grecian hero: 

" We tell thy doom without a sigh. 

For thou art Freedom's now and Fame's — 
One of the few, the immortal names 
That were not born to die." 

If we who are gathered here this morning can from these simple addresses, and 
from these grand, noble, simple words of his, which we have heard recited, but 



186 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

catch a little of the inspiration that illumined his life— a little of that all-embrac- 
ing charity, that unselfishness and that devotion to duty, lead the path where it 
might, over primrose paths or by a thorny road, then our time will have been pro- 
fitably spent. 

President Daua then announced Clinton L, Conkling, a 
member of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. 

Me. CoNKiiiNG said: 

To show that Mr. Lincoln fully realized the dangers which surrounded him when 
he became President, and that the very death which came upon him at last, had 
been almost anticipated by him from the first, and to show at the same time the 
kindly feelings he had for those who so bitterly opposed him as well as the Nation 
which he represented, I have selected passages from a speech delivered by him in 
Independence Hall, Philadelphia, where he stopped while on his way to Washing- 
ton, February 2, 18(il, also the concluding portion of his first inaugural address. 
In addressing the citizens of Philadelphia, Mr. Lincoln said : 

. "I have often pondered over the dangers whicli were incurred by the men who 
assembled here and framed and adopted that Declaration of Independence. I have 
pondered over the trials that were endured bj' the officers and soldiers of the army 
who achieved that independence. I have often inquired of myself what great 
principle or idea it was that kept this confederacy so long together. It was not 
the mere matter of the separation of the colonies from the mother-land, but that 
sentiment in the Declaration of Indendence which gave liberty not alone to the 
people of this country, but, I hope, to the world for all future time. It was that 
which gave promise that in due time the weight would be lifted from the shoulders 
of all men. This is a sentiment embodied in the Declaration of Independence. 
Now, my friends, can this country be saved upon this basis ? If it can, I will con- 
sider myself one of the happiest men in the world if I can help save it. If it can- 
not be saved upon that principle, it will be truly a^vful. But if this eountiy can- 
not be saved without giving up that principle, I was about to say I would rather be 
assassinated on this spot than sun-ender it. Now in my view of the present aspect 
of affairs, there need be no bloodshed or war. There is no necessity for it. I am 
notin favor of such a course ; and I may say, in advance, that there will be no 
bloodshed, unless it be forced upon the government, and then it will be compelled 
to act in self defense." 

Standing upon the steps of the Capitol at Washington, in the presence of the 
vast audience, many of whom were seeking the dissolution of the Union, addressing 
more particularly this portion of his hearers, he said: 

"If it were admitted that you who are dissatisfied hold the right side in the dis- 
pute, there is still no reason for precipitate action. Intelligence, patriotism, 
Christianity and a firm reliance on Him who has never yet forsaken this favored 
land, are still competent to adjust, in the best way, all our difficulties. In your 
hands, my dissatisfied countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of 
civil war. The government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without 
being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in Heaven to de- 
sti-oy the government, while I shall have the most solemn one to preserve, protect 
and defend it. I am loth to close. We are not enemies but friends. We must 
not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds 
of affection. The mystic cords of memory, stretching from eveiy battle-field and 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 137 

patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will 
yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by 
the better angels of our nature." 

Rev. W. B. Affleck of York, England, who had electrified all 
hearts with his three minutes' speech at our first Lincoln Mem- 
orial Service, delivered his 

ADDRESS. 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlevipn : 

I only propose occupying one or two minutes, this cold morning, for two rea- 
sons — I don't want the good impressions destroyed from my own heai't and mind, 
already made, and for another reason, I think we should consider the health of the 
people upon this ground. 

I am thankful for the opportunity, as an Englishman, to stand here and feel with 
you and to let you know that there is a percentage, at any rate, of humanity at 
the other side of the Atlantic that is greatly American in all American things that 
are good. The devil — I have always thought him a politician, but a bad one — 
there are lots like him, though, and he is the father of a numerous family that are 
still living — but when he said, "Skin for skin and all that a man hath will he give 
for his life," it was the greatest falsehood that has ever been spoken in the uni- 
verse. Abraham Lincoln is an example of one to whom the love of God and man- 
kind was infinitely dearer than life, and he, too, is the father of a numerous family, 
for there are tens and thousands in America to-day who love affection more than 
they love their life. 

In 1865, on the 15th of April, two very distinguished men were riding in a car- 
riage in England — two of the finest orators England has ever had — the one the 
representative of the workingmen, Henry Vincent, and the other a representative 
of all classes, John Bright. As they rode, conversing, they met a man who, with 
uplifted liand, stopped them and told them that Abraham Lincoln was dead. For 
many minutes neither of those men could speak, but sat side by side and wept. 
Why? Because Lincoln was a kingly man — a man that was leading the vanguard 
in the great conflict for universal freedom — smitten down by the hand of hate. 

The first time I saw this monument I shall never forget, but I had already seen 
a monument to Abraham Lincoln before I saw this. We have a monument to 
Abraham Lincoln at the other side of the ocean, and will have as long as we have 
a people who love liberty and stiuggle to achieve its triumphs. The first time I 
went into St. Paul's churchyard in London, I remember looking at that immense 
dome, rising over the Cathedral, and then I thought about its architect, Sir Chris- 
topher Wren, and I found a moldy tombstone with the simple inscription, "If you 
want the monument of Sir Christopher Wren look around." So I say, if you 
want a monument to Abraham Lincoln, look around. There is a man whom 
I noticed as soon as I came upon this ground in the cold chilling wind of this 
morning, and whom I have watched ever since these commemorative services be- 
gan (pointing to an ex-slave, Jordan Kichardson,) who has never covered that 
woolly head. We have stood with our hats on, but then we can't feel as his kind 
have felt. Abraham Lincoln led the great host that preserved our freedom, but he 
gave the inspiring watchword to that same conquering host that got them their 
freedom. The first picture that ever made me weep was an American picture. If 

—9 



138 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

I had not seen that I don't know that I should have ever seen America. Tliat pic- 
ture was a poor slave, kneeling with his hands manacled, looking up to the pioneer 
fighting for universal liberty and crying. "Am I not a man and a brother?" He 
was neither a man nor a brother then, but since the great conflict crowned by the 
martyrdom of the great leader and chief of the change that has come to pass, he 
is botti a man and a brother. I saw two colored men in the city of New York on 
Decoration day two years ago, in a square in that city, where a platform had been 
erected at immense cost, and a monument to Lincoln had been wreathed of $500 
worth of flowers by grateful people of color. There were to be orations delivered, 
and my wife and I went to hear them. A great procession passed, and when I 
looked upon those tattered and lacerated flags that were borne along I haixlly cared 
to hear an oration— I rather felt like turning aside to weep and ease my swelling 
breast. There were men with one arm and men with disfigured faces following — 
true heroes in the great battle for universal right, and each brave soldier of the 
Republic as he passed that floral monument to Lincoln lifted up his hat. I would 
not mention the name of Abraham Lincoln with my hat upon my head — I would 
not mention the name of his good son with my hat upon my head. And there was 
one thought in the fine oration of Dr. Stertevant this morning that impressed me 
more than all the rest — the thought that though humanity had lamented over the 
death of monai"chs, its great universal heart had never been stirred as it was by 
the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. There are reasons for that. There is not 
a countiy, however foi'lorn, under heaven to-day, but if it wanted another King or 
an Emporer he could be found at hand. Why, they can make a King out of any- 
thing that's mean. But they can't make a kinglj' man withcutthe malerial, and 
that material was in Abraham Lincoln, and that is why men everywhere, all over 
the earth', felt that when Lincoln fell a nation must be in tears — when Lincoln fell 
a world in mourning. 

Not so when others fall — there are some sorrows that are not too grevious to be 
borne ; there are some whom, if the Lord should want to take away I would never 
say don't ; but, when he takes one we cannot see how we can do without, we pray, 
O Lord, spai'e. But, as I was saying, the great procession passed, and we gath- 
ered as close to the platform there in Madison Square as we could, and a colored 
man came foi"ward as the first oratoi'. He lifted his hat, looked at the monument, 
his bosom heaved, the tears streamed down his cheeks and he said : 

"That was our friend," and that was the beginning, the middle and the end of 
his oration. 

A second man followed, whose wool had turned white, but whose eye, like Dr. 
Sturtevant's, was still undimmed, and after a pause, w4iile his lips quivered, he 
simply added : 

"Yes, he was our unchanging friend." 

And they were the only orations dehvered on that occasion. I shall never for- 
get them. And that is the character of Abraham Lincoln — aU summed up in 
those two eloquent orations by those two obscure colored men. Look around, I 
say, when you want to see a monument of Abraham Lincoln — look the world 
around. 

I have always felt a grateful love for America because of her magnanimity. 
They were not all .alike at the other side of the sea — we know that. We had two 
parties of widely differing opinion; we were not so much divided there, perhaps, 
as you were here, and no doubt you thought it was a strange thing that we should 
be divided at all at the other side, but I never thought so, for I knew that all the 
good at the other side were with you, and I knew that all who were not 



THE T^INCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 139 

good, but ought to have been, were against you, and that was just the 
division. But how has America requited that? We lost one of our fine philan- 
thropic men while he was trying to do the world good - lost him amid the jungles 
of Africa, and America in her magnanimity said, we have pardoned all the rebels 
who fought against us and we will be equally generous to those who thought 
against us — they have lost Livingstone and we will send Stanley to And him. I 
like America for that, for the great can always afford to be forgiving. May God 
bless America. I don't belong to it— I would like to. I like to live in this land — I 
prefer to live in it. I thought last year I would like to die in England, but now I 
think I would hke to die in America and to be buried over on yon hillside, for 
when the great trump shall sound and the best shall rise first, if I could only lift 
up my eyes from that hillside and behold the loved form of Abraliam Lincoln step 
forth and gloriously ascend. I, who never saw him yet, how would I like to see 
him then. 

Mr. Affleck then recited the following- inspiriting lines by 
Gerald Massey. 

"High hopes that burned like stars sublime 

Go down in the heavens of freedom, 
And tine hearts perish in the time 

AVe bitterliest need 'em. 
Yet never sit we down to say 

There's nothing left but sorrow ; 
We wallc the wilderness to-day. 

The promised land to-morrow. 

Our birds of song are silent now, 

There are no flowers blooming. 
Yet life is in the frozen bough, 

And freedom's spring is coming. 
And freedom's tide rolls up alway. 

Though we may stand in sori'ow, 
And our good bark, aground to-day, 

Will float again to-morrow. 

Through all the long dark night of years 

The people's crj^ ascendeth, 
A nd earth is wet with blood and tears, 

But our meek sufferance endeth. 
The few shall not forever sway, 

The many toil in sorrow. 
The powers of hell are strong to-day, 

But Christ shall rise to-mon-ow. 

Oh youth, flame' earnest, still aspire, 

With energies immortal ; 
To many a haven of desire 

Yom: yearning opes a portal. 
Ani though age wearies hj the way, 

And hearts break in the fuiTow, 
We'll sow the golden grain to-day — • 

Th3 harvest comes to-morrow. 



I'iO THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

Build up heroic lives, and all 

Be like a sheathen sabre, 
Keady to flash out at God's eajl, 

0, Chivalry of labor. 
Triumph and toil are twins, and aye, 

Joy gilds the cloud of sorrow, 
For 'tis the martyrdom to-day 

Brings victory to-moiTow." 

Continuing his address, Mr. Affleck said, "There is a better day coming, to 
America, a better day coming for the world, and I am glad the Lord let mo be 
bom in an age so near that coming. I said last night at the Congregational 
church— I loved the name of Lincoln because he had managed to die. Veiy few 
men have died, because very few men have Uved. They shuffle into the world, 
shuffle on awhile in it, and then shuffle out, but a man who rose up to be a prince 
of goodness, and then sealed the great mission of his life with a martyr's death, 
in him there is something we can think about, admire and imitate. 

" God bless the young men of America. Be good men. You cannot all become 
great. That was a fine distinction of Dr. Sturtevant's between Lincoln's great- 
ness and his goodness. A man asked me a few weeks ago if I thought Abraham 
Lincoln was a righteous man. I said, I thought he was better than that, infinitely 
better than that, he was a good man. There ai-e plenty of righteous men that 
are Like sponges. Everything that is good they suck in, but when you would get 
anything of them they have to be squeezed. But Abraham Lincoln lived for 
others, he got good himself and communicated it. A man asked me if I thought 
Abraham Lincoln had gone to Heaven. I said I thought so, never had any doubt 
of it, for he could pray and vote as he prayed, but I said if he has missed the 
road, the Lord is good, and wherever he has put Abraham Lincoln, I shall be 
thankful to be as near him as Lincohi is. The Lord of the whole earth will do 
right." 

The Call of the Roll on High, was then snng. 

Sadly from the field of conflict, 

Where the wounded and slain 

Lay with pale and upturned faces, 

Some in peace and some in pain. 
Slow we bore a dying soldier, 
Wlao had fallen in in the fight. 
And to us he faintly whispered, 
"Comrades, let me sleep to-niglit." 

On the ground we softlv laid him. 

Thinking he no more will wake. 

When with eye lids widely open, 

Pointing upwards thus he spako : 
Comrades, listen ! don't you hear it, 
Hear the roU caU there on high? 
Hark ! my name the Saviour's calhng, 
Jesus— Captain, here am I ! 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 141 

O from many a field of battle 

Earnest prayer has gone to God, 

From the lips of dying soldiers, 

As their Ufe blood drenched the sod ; 
And to many came the message : 
Son, thy sins are all forgiven, 
And their lips with joy responded, 
When the roU was called in Heaven. 

Rev. Roswell O. Post, Pastor of the First Congregational 
Church of Springfield, closed the exercises with the following: 

PRAYER AND BENEDICTION, 

O, God of our fathers, Abrdfham, Isaac and Jacob, be our God! Our contiy's God! 
We pray thee that from these services so sad and solemn, that from this mount of 
sacrifice, we mav return to the duties of Ufe stronger in our fealty to our land^ 
more lo^ng in our sei-vice to thee, our God. We thank thee for aU thy great 
blessings. We thank thee for thy son, Jesus Christ, who brought immortality to 
hght. We thank thee for all thy childi-en who have lived upon earth, showing the 
good, the true and the beautiful, making hfe worth the Uving. We pray thee that 
thy blessing may be with us, that we may, as thy sons and as thy daughters, go 
forth to do thy will. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, 
forever. 

And may the peace of God that passeth all understanding keep our hearts and 
minds from evil, in our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Mav 19, 1881, The Lincoln Guard of Honor held a meet- 
ing at the Leland Hotel and resolved to unite with the Grand 
Ariny of the Re]mblic on Decoration Day, at the Lincoln 
Monument, and authorized President Dana to make necessary 
arrangements for decorating the sarcophagus. 

It was mutually agreed that all the members of The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor assemble at the gallery of J. A. W. Pittman, 
Monday, May 23, 1881, for the purpose of having a photo- 
graph taken of themselves in a group. 

"^ Monday, IMay 30, 1881, Decoration Day, The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor assembled at the catacomb of the monu- 
ment. Present: Dana, Reece, Power, McNeill, Lindley, John- 
son and Chapin. Absent: Wiggins and Conkling. 

Mrs. Dana, Mrs. Lindley, Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Conkhng and 
Mrs. McNeill, all wives of members, having previously deco- 
rated the catacomb and sarcophagus, each of the members 



142 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

present filed into the catacomb, headed by President Dana, 
and deposited a boquet on the sarcophagus as they marched 
around it and out at the door. They were followed by 
Stephenson Post No. 30, Grand Army of the Kepublic, many 
of whom deposited flowers on the sarcophagus, and all others 
who had flowers were invited to deposit them on the tomb 
also. All then dispersed without formality. 

Pursuant to agreement the members of The Guard of Honor 
assembled at Pittman's gallery May 23d, and sat for a pic- 
ture, but the negative being unsatisfactory, they assembled 
again in June and had one taken with which all are satisfied. 
That picture is the frontispiece to this volume, and presents 
a remarkably good likeness of each and every member. 



THE LliXCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 143 



DIVISION NINTH. 

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-TWO. 



Historical Sketch. — Certifleate of Honoraiy ilembersliip and Circular — Election 
of Officers— Seal — First Certificate of Honorary Membership — Circular — 
Third Memorial Sendee, held in the Afternoon — Address on Temperance by 
Abraham Lincoln — Death and Funeral of Mrs. Lincoln. 

At a meeting, Jan. 17, 1882, the Secretary, at the sugges- 
tion of President Dana, was requested to write up a historical 
sketch of our society in connection with tlie labors of its 
members to protect, from vandal hands, the remains of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, and make that sketch a part of our records. 

A lithographic plate of a certificate of honorary member- 
ship having been previously ordered, and a thousand copies 
printed at a cost of two hundred dollars, Mr. Conkling was 
directed to send that amount to the Chicago Bank Note and 
Engraving Company in payment of the same. 

The price for a certificate of honorary membership was de- 
clared to be five dollars. 

A committee was appointed to prepare a circular concern- 
ing honorary membership and the aims of The Lincoln Guard 
of Honor, This was done with the view of raising money in 
that way to defray the expenses of our society. 

The President and Secretary were constituted a committee 
to procure a seal for The Lincoln Guard of Honor. 

At a meeting Feb. 3, 1882, the Secretary reported a his- 
torical sketch of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, which he had 
been directed to write. After being read and modified in some 
points it was approved and ordered to be spread upon our 
records, where it may be found, beginning on page 88, and 
occupying eleven pages. It contains all the history we had 
made to that date. 



144 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

At the third annual meeting- of The Lincoln Guard of Honor^ 
Monday, Feb. 13, 1882, Treasurer McNeill made his annual 
report in detail, showing receipts for the year to have been 
146.80, and expenditures |44.55, leaving a balance in the 
Treasury of |2.25. • 

The annual election of officers was then held, a separate 
ballot being taken for each one, resulting in the election of 

Gustavus S. Dana, President. 
Jasper N. Reece, Vice President. 
John Carroll Power, Secretary. 
James F. McNeill, Treasm-er. 

President Dana, from the committee on seal, reported where 
it could be obtained with the price, and Avas directed to have 
one made without further delay. 

At a meeting held Monday, March 6, 1882, President Dana 
reported that the seal had been received, with bill $5.00 and 
transportation 35 cents, making |5.35, which was allowed 
and ordered paid. 

President Dana reported $5.00 received March 2, 1882, from 
Philander T. Pratt, of 932 North Halsted street, Chicago, for 
Certificate No. 1 of honorary membership. 

President Dana, from committee on circular reported the 
following : 

THE LINCOLN GUAKD OF HONOR 

TO 
THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES. 

Moved by a warm affection for the memory of Abraham Lincoln, and desir- 
ing to aid in perpetuating the remembrance of his hfe and death, the founders of 
The Lincoln Guard or Honor formed themselves into an organization, which 
was instituted February 12, 1880, the seventy-first anniversary of the birth of the 
martyr Pi'esident, and has been duly incorporated under the laws of the Slate of 
Illinois. 

The purpose of this Society * * * jj-, p^j-t^ are to provide 

for memorial sei*vices at his Tomb, and at other places, upon the anniversaries of 
his birth, death, or other important events in his life, as well as upon Emancipa- 
tion Day and Decoration Daj^ ; thus keeping his life and emhient ser\aces fresh in 
the memoiy of the people. 

Since its organization, The Lincoln Guard of Honor has held, at the 
National Lincoln Monument, interesting Memorial Services on the fifteenth day of 
April of each year, the anniversary- of the President's death, and upon Decoration 
Day. The twelfth of February, the day of his birth, has also been appropriately 
remembered, and it is the desire of the Society that the observance of the anni- 
versary of his death may soon be adopted by the whole country as a National 
Holiday. (We do not now think it would be appropriate for a National Holiday, 
but the day of his birth would.) 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 145 

Desiring to extend these services througliout tlie land, and to secure the co- 
operation of all patriotic citizens in its most laudable undertakings, this organiza- 
tion, regarding itself merely as a standing committee of the people, has provided 
for the admission of honorary members, and has procured finely engraved certifi- 
cates of such membership. These certificates are printed upon fine paper, about 
fourteen inches wide and seventeen inches long, and contain a medallion portrait 
of Abraham Lincoln, and coirect vievFS of his former residence in Springfield, 
and of the Monument beneath which lie his remains. Any person, upon the pay- 
ment of five dollars, or upwards, can become an honorary member, and receive 
one of these certificates, showing the name of the donor and the amount of his 
gift ; which certificate will be signed by the officers of the organization, under its 
corporate seal. 

The LiNCOiiN G-itakd of Honor, therefore, appeals to all who are in sympathy 
with its purposes, to assist in their accomplishment by enrolling themselves as 
honoraiy members, and lending their influence to the attainment of its objects. 

Neither personal nor mercenary interests are to be subsei"ved, but the only 
object is to remember in a fitting mtmner the example and virtues of the immortal 
Lincoln. 

The Executive Committee of The National Lincoln Monu- 
ment Association, under whose siipervisioii the splendid 
Mausoleum at Oak Ridge Cemetery, to the memory of Presi- 
dent Lincoln, has been erected, commends The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor as follows: 

Springfield, III., Februarj^ 23, 1882. 
"The organization of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, and the action taken 
by it in holding Memorial Sen'ices at the National Lincoln Monument, meets with 
the hearty approval of The National Lincoln Monument Association, and 
the public are assured that the gentlemen composing The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor are reputable and patriotic citizens, whose object is to do honor to the 
memory of Abraham Lincoln. They are worthy of public confidence. 
Signed : John T. Stuart, 

James C. Oonkling, 
John Williams, 
Ex. Com.. Nat'l Lincoln Monument Ass'n." 

Applications for honorary membership may be addressed to any member of The 
Lincoln Guard of Honor. 

G. S. Dana, President, J. P. Lindley, 

J. N. Ke; ce, Vice-Pres't. Edward S.Johnson. 
J. C. Power, Secretary. N. B. Wiggins. 

Jas. F. McNeill, Trea.-^urer. Horace Chapin. 
Clinton L. Conkling. 

The report was appi-oved, and the committee directed to 
have one thousand copies printed for distribution. 



146 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

OiTR Third Memorial Service. 

Our two previous Memorial Services having been held at 
seven o'clock and twenty-two minutes in the morning, cori-es- 
ponding with the time of Mr. Lincoln's death, expressed our 
sentiments on the subject, but it was found to be too damp 
and chilly for the comfort of those in attendance, therefore 
it was 

Resolved, That the Memorial Services April 15, 1882, be held at two o'clock in 
the afternoon, at the Catacomb of the Monument, and that Mr. Volney Hickox be 
employed to report the proceedings at an expense not to exceed Ave dollars. 

At a meeting held Monday, May 10, 1882, the hour for 
memorial services was changed from two to half past two in 
the afternoon. 

The folloAving was adopted as the 

PEOGEAMME OF MEMORIAL SERVICES. 

TO BE HELD ON THE SEVENTEENTH ANNIVEBSAEY OF THE DEATH OF 
ABEAHAM IiINCOLN. 

Services will begin at half past two o'clock on the afternoon of April 15th. Thoy 
will be held at the Catacomb of the National Lincoln Monument, under the 
auspices of The Lincoln Gitaed of Honoe. 

A cordial invitation is extended to all citizens, and strangers who may be in the 
city, to be present and unite in the services. 

OEDEE OF EXEECISES. 

Peatee, By Eev. D. S. Johnson, D. D., of the Second Presbyteiian Church. 

Singing, - - "In Memoriam, Abraham Lincoln," - - Keller. 

Geo. A. Sanders, . . _ Conductor. 

DOUBLE QUAETETTE. 

Sojyrano. Alto. 

Miss Lizzie Hibbs, Miss Lulu Hibbs. 

Mrs. W. L. Barlow. Mrs. J. F. McNeill. 

Tenor. Bass. 

]Mr. Geo. A. Sanders, Mr. Fred. Wilms, 

Mr. H. F. Velde. Mr. Harry M. Snape. 

Oeganist — Miss Minnie Goodwin. 

Addeess, By Shelby M. Cullom, Governor of the State of Illinois. 

Reading — Bemlniscences — Extracts from a Temperance Address by Lincoln, 

and Eulogy on him, by an ex- Confederate Soldier. 

By J. C. Power. 

Singing, - "Our Xoble Chief has Passed Away," - JR. Thomas. 

Addeess, _ . . - - By Hon. James A. Connolly. 

Recitation, .... - By Mrs. Edward S. Johnson. 

Singing, ..-..--- "America." 

Peayer and Benediction, By Rev. W. S. Matthew, of the Second M. E. Church. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 147 

Five hundred copies of the progTamme were ordered printed 
for use on Lincoln Memorial Day. 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled near the catacomb 
at half past two o'clock on the afternoon of Saturday, April 
15, 1882, for our third memorial service. All the nine mem- 
bers of The Guard of Honor were present, and about one 
thousand citizens and strangers. The afternoon was clear, 
warm and pleasant. The sarcophagus was covered with ever- 
greens and flowers, with a goodly displaj^ of flowering plants. 

President G. S. Dana, as master of ceremonies, took the 
platform at exactly half past two o'clock, and called upon 
Rev. D. S. Johnson, D. D., Pastor of the Second Presbyterian 
Church, who offered the 

OPENING PRAYER. 

Lord God, the God of our father's, and oiu' God. W"e gather again beside tlie 
sacred dust of the great and good man, whose name the Nation reveres, and whose 
virtues we love to commemorate. Looli upon us in mercy we beseech Thee, as 
our tears flow afresh at the remembrance of his sad and sudden departure from 
the midst of the people, and comfort us with the renewed assurance that he still 
lives. We thank Thee that, tliough good men are taken out of the world, their 
character and influence are an abiding legacy, — that 
" Only the actions of the just 

SmeU sweet and blossom in the dust." 

We praise Thee for Abraham Lincoln, whom Thou didst raise up in the Nation's 
great trial time, and for tlie principles of truth and justice and mercy and Uberty 
which he so nobly uplield and advanced, and which remain for us to cherish this 
day. 

Now we pray, O Father, that Thou wilt \isit the widow who, in weariness and 
loneliness, renews her deep soitow to-day, and sustain and soothe her with thy 
grace. 

Have compassion upon the milhons whose fetters of slaveiy were broken by the 
great Proclamation, and speedily lift them up to the higher freedom which civiliza- 
tion and education bring. 

We recommend to Thee the soldier and sailor wlio have especial interest in the 
memories of this day, and all who with tliem and us hold sacred this anniversary. 

We commend also to Thy keeping the President of the United States and his 
Cabinet, the Congress of our Nation, and all who are entrusted with the responsi- 
bility of office. Help all to fulfill their tiiists in thy fear and love. 

Be Thou, God, our Guard and Protector, as Thou wast the defender of our 
fathers. Bless all the words we ai'e about to hear to-day, and the thoughts that 
shall fill our minds, and the feelings that touch our hearts. May they be inspira- 
tion to us, prompting us, by Thy grace, to be ever ready to give ourselves in ser- 
vice and sacrifice, under Thee, for the good of our countiy and of mankind. Hear 
us for Jesus sake. Amen. 



148 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

The double Quartette continued the exercises by singing: 
"In Memoriam, Abraham Lincoln." 

National Chant. 
"Words by W. Dexter Smith. Music by Keller. 

Columbia weeps ! Columbia weeps ! 

Her cherished Son, who struck her fetters to the ground — 

Who saved the land of Washington, — 

Has passed from earth's most distant bound. 

His spirit went to realms on high,— 
His dust alone, the earth could claim, — 
His memory will never die 
While freemen live to bless his name. 

Columbia swears anew her vow, 
To guard the birth-right of the free ; 
Unsheathed her sword of Justice, now — 
Since Mercy fell by Tyrann^^. 

Our Nation's hopes and fears alike 
Are with the land our fathers trod, — 
And while for Freedom now we strike, 
Our future is alone witli God. 

Address by Gov. S. M. Cullom. 

Gov. Cullom was then introduced, and after alluding to his 
having been present upon each former occasion, in which 
memorial exercises had been held by The Guard of Honor, 
spoke as follows: 

Me. Peesident, Ladies and Gentlemen : — We turn aside to-day from our 
ordinary labors to again manifest our love for the illustrious dead, and to renew 
our faith in those principles of right and truth which wore exemplified in the life 
of Abraham Lincoln. 

The great of earth do not belong to any age or clime, Ijut are the coramon heri- 
tage of all nations and peoples. 

In paying our tributes of respect and admiration for the noble lives of LaFayette 
or Nelson, or Farragut, we do not ask when or where they lived, but think of what 
they did to make mankind freer, braver and better. When the names of Bm.-ns 



THE LINCOLN GTTARD OF HONOR. 149 

and Scott, and Longfellow are spoken, we think of what they said, of the thoughts 
they made to breathe and bum in behalf of justice and truth and vrituo, and our 
heai-ts at once respond — these were friends of the race. 

The woi'ld venerates the name of Washington, not alone because he was an 
American, but because he was a great and noble man, and a friend of the people. 

We stand here to-day under the shadow of this granite monument. It is right 
and proper that loving hearts and hands should build it. But, my friends, it is not 
necessary that the world should erect granite shafts or fashion marble tombs to 
perpetuate the memoiy of the great of earth, — more lasting monuments are found 
in the hearts of the people, where are enshrined the virtues and heroic deeds of the 
honored dead, in ineffaceable and undecaying characters. 

We do not ask to behold the resting place of Epaminondas or Cromwell or Sidney 
or Jefferson — monuments raised to their memories will decay and cinimble back to 
dust, but what they performed wiU remain as long as the everlasting hiUs. 

The life of Lincoln belongs to the world, in the broadest sense. No State or 
Nation can claim him as its own. While we here, a few of his old neighbors, who 
knew him and loved him so well, are gathered around his burial place, this 17th 
anniversary of soitow wiU. be observed in other States and other lands. Wherever 
men are struggling to be free, wherever the rights of man have been invaded, 
wherever the iron hand of despotism falls with violence upon the oppressed, there 
the heart throbs to the memoiy of him whose mortal remains rest here. Lincoln 
was a child of Providence, raised up at a period in our history when there was 
need for such a man. A pioneer, raised in a cabin, in his youth and eai'l}' manhood 
laboring with his hands — acquainted with the woods and the fields, he communed 
with nature in all its grandeur and beauty, as it voiced ItseH to this quiet man of 
destiny. 

With ease he took his place when he grew to manhood, among the sti'ongest, 
wisest and most cultured of his time. 

He was not a warrior, though brave as Caesar. He was not a statesman in the 
sense that Pitt and Clay were statesmen. Lincoln's power lay in his wonderful 
insight of the truth and his courage to proclaim it against all opposition to a hsten- 
ing world. In this he was more powerful and eloquent than Clay, or Webster, or 
Calhoun. In the conviction that he was right, and in a persistent advocacy of what 
he beUeved to be right, he rose above all pai'ty claims and methods. 

In the famous controversy over slaveiy in this countiy, he took for his text a 
ti-uth two thousand years old, and with it he met the great Douglas, in a field 
l^ecuUarly his own, that of forensic debate. "A house divided against itself can- 
not stand" — not that the house would fall, but it must become all one thing or all 
the other — either slavery must stop where it is, or spread alike to the States. 

This was the key note to that brilliant campaign, which ended only with his 
elevation to the Presidency ; nay, it heralded the downfall of slavery, and strength- 
ened the arms of our brave volunteers in that second contest for our National In- 
dependence, in which union and liberty so gloriously triumphed. 

He was a man of singleness of purpose, and to its accomplishment he devoted aU 
his great powers. It absorbed his eveiy thoug-ht, and intensified his very being. 
"Yes," said he, on one occasion, "we will speak for freedom against slavery so long 
as the constitution of our countiy guarantees free speech, until everywhere, in aU 
this broad land, the sun shall shine, the rain shall fall and the wind shall blow upon 
no man who goes forth to um-equitted toil." Lincoln was a pm'e man, far above 
any deceit or dishonest act." 



150 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

I see before me old men who have known Lincohi in his hfetime — perhaps for 
forty years lived side by side with him — who will testify with me that he was a 
pure man, far above any deceit or dishonest act. 

We stand here to-day, young and old, by the side of this monument, erected to 
his memory by a loving people. We can add nothing to his imperishable renown, 
but we can renew our own devotion to the right and to those principles of liberty 
and good Government for which he gave his life. It is a grand thing for our 
country, when the Uves of our pubhc men are so pure as that we may challenge 
the closest scrutiny, and no wrong doing be found in all their history. The world 
is made better by recounting the virtues of such men. 

Tennyson somewhere speaks of the fierce Ught which beats upon a Throne — a 
fiercer light than was ever turned upon the Throne of a King exposes to view the 
acts of a President of this Eepublic. Let the light be thrown upon the deeds and 
the Ufe of Abraham Lincoln — the first of our Nation's martyrs — the stronger the 
light the grander will his noble character appear to the world. 

It is said, "the stoiy of human Ufe, if rightly told, may be a useful lesson to 
those who survive." There are none whose Ufe teaches to Americans a grander 
and more profitable lesson tlian the life of Abraham Lincoln. The study of his 
life wiU conduce to private and public virtue, to correct ideas of our relations to 
each other, and moral courage to stand by our convictions of duty. 

Fellow citizens, the men in public affairs to whom we have been accustomed to 
look, in times of emergency and trial, within the last quarter of a centuiy, have 
nearly all passed away. It is but a Uttle time since Lincoln and Douglas and 
Greeley, and Yates, and Sumner, and Stephens, and Fessenden, and Todd, and 
many more of their time and class were before us as examples of statesmenship 
and pubUc virtue, with great intellectual power to point the way of duty. 

They have gone, and but a few months ago another, the executive head of the 
finest and greatest Eepublic on earth, whose Ufe was as pure as the best, and 
whose briUiant career and giant intellect attracted the attention of an admiring 
world, was taken away in the noon time of Ufe. 

The cause of Uberty and truth has one more martyr — a noble victim of duty. 
Where, among the living, shall we look for counsel when danger and trials come? 
It becomes us, as citizens, some of us holding trusts placed in our hands by a con- 
fiding people, to study the lives of these great men as a means to aid us to a cor- 
rect imderstanding of om* duty as citizens of this RepubUc. 

Address and Reading by J. C. Poaver, 

Secretary of The Liucoln Guard of Honor and Custodian of 
the Monument. 

Ladies and Gentleman : — The Lincoln Guard of Honor regard themselves 
merely as a standing committee to arrange for and conduct these Memorial Ser- 
vices. We are not a band of orators, but we propose to press into our service the 
best talent we can find, that we may properly observe what we regard as an impor- 
tant occasion. At the same time, however, we think it best that some one of our 
number should each time take some part in the exercises of the hour, and the lot 
this time faUs to me. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 151 

The editor here takes the Hberty of transposing some of 
the matter of his address and readings on that occasion, in 
order to present first what he regards as a perfect gem in the 
way of eulogy. 

About two years ago, just as I was dismissing a party of visitors from the door of 
the catacomb, a very plain, modest looldng man of middle age, approached and said 
he had come to see and learn all he could about the monument and Lincoln. I 
proceeded in my usual way, when visitors are much interested, and completed my 
explanations on the terrace in front of the statue of the President. From the 
general bearing of the visitor, I should have taken him for a son of an original New 
England Abolitionist. Wlien I left off speaking he rem.ained and seemed reluctant 
to take his eyes from the statue. After several minutes spent in silent meditation 
he astonished me by saying substantially: "I was a soldier in the Confederate 
army and spent four years doing my utmost to defeat all that Abraham Lincoln 
was trying to accomplish. He succeeded and I have no regrets on that accoimt." 
After a brief intei-va] of silence the visitor assumed a tragic attitude, and raising 
his right hand toward the statue, said with deliberation and emphasis: "He was 
an infinitely greater man than George Washington ever was." With his eyes stiU 
fixed on the statue, and as though his whole soul was in his words, he continued: 
"Washington had no dii!ficulty in determining who were his friends and who were 
not. His enemies were principally on the water, on the other side of it, or in the 
garb of officers and soldiers sent here to enforce the mandates of a tyrant. His 
friends were his neighbors, who, in addition to their struggles for existence in a 
new country, were oppressed by taxation without representation. The line was 
clearly di'awn from the beginning. With Lincoln it was different. His enemies 
were in every department of the Government. They filled the civil offices, they 
commanded his skeleton of an army, they trod the decks of his ships, such as they 
were. Where they could with impunity be open, they were bold and outspoken. 
Where it was policy they were wily, complaisant and cautious. It required two 
years, or half his first term, to learn who were friends and who were enemies, but 
he was equal to the emergency. And the most beautiful thing about it was, that 
through it all, a httle child could approach him with perfect confidence and make 
known its wants, while at the same time the most wily statesman could not swerve 
him a hair's breadth from what he believed to be right ! " 

On the morning of March 6, 1879, a company of ladies, composing a committee 
of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, under the leadership of the Presi- 
dent of the Union, Miss Frances E. Willard, visited the National Lincoln Monu- 
ment, and held a prayer meeting on the terrace, under the shadow of the statue of 
Lincoln. 

As many of them had never visited the monument before, I, at the close of the 
meeting, invited all into Memorial Hall. In explaining to them the circumstances 
under which the bust of Mr. Lincoln was taken, I showed them a cast of his right 
hand, and in giving an account of the manner in which Mr. Volk, the artist, ob- 
tained it, incidentally remai'ked that it was a cast of the hand that afterward untied 
the hardest knot we ever had in this country, alluding, of course, to slavery and 
the Emancipation Proclamation. After a momentaiy silence, seemingly to divine 
my meaning, one of the ladies said : "We understand you; slavery was a very 
hard knot, but it was only local. Whisky is a much worse one, for it is every- 
where, no family is safe. We are trying to untie that." This impressed me as 



lo2 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

putting the question with great force. The ladies went from Memorial Hall direct 
to the State Capitol and presented to the Legislature of Illinois their great peti- 
tion, supported by 100,000 names, asking for Home Protection by giving the ballot 
to women, where the manufacture and sale of intoxicating drinlis is the question. 
In view of later developments, their action in coming to Lincoln's tomb to pray 
for the success of the cause of temperance, was more appropriate than they at the 
time knew. 

The full copy of an address on temperance by Mr. Lincoln 
has recently been discovered. It appeared INIarch 26, 1842, 
in the "Sangamo Journal," of which the present Illinois State 
Jonrnal is the successor. The editor feels sure that the friends 
of Lincoln, rather than see the selections he read from that 
paper, would prefer to see it in full and have it preserved in 
a permanent form, therefore it is given entire. Previous to 
delivering that address Mr. Lincoln had served three terms 
in the lower house of the Legislature of Illinois. During those 
terms he was remarkable for speaking little and listening- 
much. If newspaper reporters had been as numerous then as 
noAv, there is little doubt that many wise sayings of his would 
have been preserved that are now forever lost; but we are 
amply compensated for the loss in having escaped the report- 
ers. This is believed to have been the first speech of Mr. Lincoln 
that was ever printed : 

AN ADDRESS. 

Dehvered before the Washingtonian Temperance Society, at Springfield, lUinoie, 
on the 22d day of February, 1842. 

BY ABKAHAM LINCOLN, ESQ. 

Although the Temperance cause has been in progress for nearly twenty years, it 
is apparent to aU that it is just now being crowned with a degree of success hitherto 
unparaUeled. 

The hst of its friends is daily swelled by the additions of fifties, of hundreds 
and of thousands. The cause itself seems suddenlj' transformed from a cold, 
abstract theory, to a living, breathing, active and powerful chieftain, going forth 
"conquering and to conquer." The citadels of its great adversary are daily being 
stormed and dismantled ; his temples and his altars, where the rites of his idola- 
ti'ous worship have long been performed, and where human sacrifices have long 
been wont to be made, ai-e daily desecrated and deserted. The truijip of the con- 
queror's fame is sounding from hill to hill, from sea to sea, and from land to land, 
and calling millions to his standard blast. 

For this new and splendid success, we heartily rejoice. That that success is so 
much greater now, than heretofore, is doubtless owing to rational causes ; and if 
we would have it continue, we shall do weU to enquire what those causes are. 

The warfare heretofore waged against the demon intemperance, has somehow 
or other been en-oneous. Either the champions engaged, or the tactics they 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 153 

adopted, have not been the most proper. These champions, for tlie most part, have 
been preachers, law>'ers and hired agents. Between these and the mass of mankind, 
there is a want' of approachahiUtij, if the term be admissible, partial at least, fatal 
to their success. They are supposed to have no sympathy of feeling or interest 
with those veiy persons whom it is their object to convince and persuade. 

And again, it is so easy and so common . to ascribe motives to men of these 
classes, other than those they profess to aet upon. The preacher, it is said, advo- 
vates temperance because he is fanatic, and desires a union of the church and 
state ; the lawj-er from his pride, and vanity of hearing himself speak ; and the 
hired agent for his salary. 

But when one who has long been known as a victim of intemperence, bursts the 
fetters that have bound him, and appears before his neighbors "clothed and in his 
right mind," a redeemed specimen of long lost humanity, and stands up with tears 
of joy trembUng in his eyes, to teU of the miseries once endured, now to be en- 
dured no more for ever ; of his once naked and standing children, now clad and fed 
comfortably ; of a wife, long weighed down with woe, weeping and a broken heart, 
now restored to health, happiness and a renewed affection ; and how easily it is all 
done, once it is resolved to be done ; how simple his language, there is a logic and 
an eloquence in it, that few with human feeUngs can resist. They cannot say 
he is vain of hearing himself speak, for his whole demeanor shows he would gladly 
avoid speaking at all ; they cannot say he speaks for pay, for he receives none. 
Nor can his sincerity in any way be doubted ; or his sympathy for those who 
would persuade to imitate his example be denied. 

In my judgment, it is to the battles of this new class of champions that our 
late success is greatly, perhaps chiefly owing. But had the old school champions 
themselves been of the most wise selecting, was their system of tactics most 
judicious? It seems to me it was not. Too much denunciation against dram- 
sellers and dram-drinkers was indulged in. This I think was both impoUtic and 
unjust. It was impoUtic, because it is not much in the nature of man to be driven 
to anything ; stiU less to be driven about that which is exclusively his omti busi- 
ness ; and least of all, where such driving is to be submitted to, at the expense of 
pecuniaiy interests, or burning appetite. When the dram-seller and drinker were 
incessantly told, not in the accent of entreaty and persuasion diffidently addressed 
by erring man to an erring brother, but in the thundering tones of anathema and 
demmciation, with which the lordly judge often groups together aU the crimes of 
the felon's Ufe, and thrusts them in his face just ere he passes sentence of death 
upon him, that they were the authors of all the vice and misery and crime in the 
land : that they were the manufactm-ers and material of all the thieves and robbers 
and murderers that infest the earth ; that their houses were the workships of the 
devil ; and that their persons should be shimned by aU the good and virtuous, as 
moral pestilences. I say, when they were told all this, and in this way, it is not 
wonderful that they were slow, veiy slow, to acknowledge the ti-uthof such denun- 
ciations, and to join the ranks of their denouncers, in a hue and cry against them- 
selves. 

To have expected them to do othei-wise than they did— to have expected them 
not to meet denunciation with denunciation, crimination with crimination, and 
anathema with anathema— was to expect a reversal of human nature, which is 
God's decree and can never be reversed. 

When the conduct of men is designed to be influenced, persuasion, kind unas- 
suming persuasion, should ever be adopted. It is an old and true maxim, "that 

—10 



154 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

a drop of honey catches more flies than a gallon of gall." So with men. If you 
would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend. 
Therein is a drop of honey that touches his heart, which, say what he will, is the 
great high road to his reason, and whicli, when once organized, you will find but 
httle trouble m convincing his judgment of the justice of your cause, if indeed 
that cause really be a just one. On the contrar>% assume to dictate to his judg- 
ment or to command his action, or to mark him as one to be shunned and despised, 
and he will retreat within himself, close all the avenues of his head and his heart ; 
and though yoiu' cause be naked truth itself, transformed to the heaviest lance, 
harder than steel, and sharper than steel can be made, and though you throw it 
with more than herculean force and precision, you shall be no more able to pierce 
him, than to peneti'ate the hard shell of a tortoise with a rye-straw. Such is man, 
and so must he be understood by those who would lead him, even to his own best 
interests. 

On this point, the Washingtonians greatly excel tlie temperance advocates of 
former times. Those whom they desire to convince and persuade are their old 
friends and companions. They know they are not demons, nor even the worst of 
men ; they know that generally they are kind, generous neighbors. They are 
practical philanthropists ; and they glow with a generous and brotherly zeal, that 
mere theorizers are incapable of feeling. Benevolence and charity possess their 
hearts entirely ; and out of the abundance of their hearts, their tongues give utter- 
ance, "Love through all their actions run, and all their words are mild ;" in this 
spirit they speak and act, and in the same they are heard and regarded. And 
when such is the temper of the advocate, and such of the audience, no good cause 
can be unsuccessful. But I have said that denunciations against dram-sellers and 
dram-drinkers are unjust, as well as impohtic. Let us see. 

I have not enquired at what period of time the use of intoxicating hquors com- 
menced ; nor is it important to know. It is sufficient that to all of us who now in- 
habit the world, the practice of drinking, then, is just as old as the world itself — 
that is, we have seen the one just as long as we have seen the other. When all 
such of us as have now reached the years of maturity, first opened om- eyes upon 
the stage of existence, we found intoxicating liquor ; recognized by everybody, 
used by everybody, repudiated by nobody. It commonly entered into the first 
draught of the infant, and the last draught of the dying man. From the sideboard 
of the parson, down to the ragged pocket of the houseless loafer, it was constantly 
found. Physicians prescribed it, in this, that and the other disease ; government 
provided it for the soldiers and sailors ; and to have a log-i'olling or raising, a husking 
or "hoe-down" anywhere about, without it, was positively unsufferable. So, too, 
it was everywhere a respectable article of manufacture and of merchandise. The 
making of it was regarded as an honorable Uvelihood, and he who could make most 
was the most enterprising and respectable. Large and small manufactories of it 
were everywhere erected, in which all the earthly goods of their owners were in- 
vested. Wagons drew it from town to town ; boats bore it from clime to clime, 
and the winds wafted it from nation to nation ; and merchants bought and sold it, 
by wholesale and retail, with precisely the same feelings on the part of the seller, 
buyer and by-stander, as are felt at the seUing and buying of plows, beef, bacon, 
or any other of the real necessaries of life. Universal public opinion not only 
tolerated, but recognized and adopted its use. 

It is true, that even then it was known and acknowledged that many were 
greatly injured by it ; but none seemed to think the injury arose from the use of 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 155 

a bad thing, but from the .abuse of a very good thing. The victims of it were to be 
pitied, and compassionated, just as are the heirs of consumjjtion, and other hered- 
itary diseases. Their faihng was treated as a misfortune, and not as a crime, or 
even as a disgrace. 

If, then, what I have been saying is true, is it wonderful that some should think 
and act now, as all thought and acted twcnity years ago, and is it just to assail, 
condemn, or dispise them for doing so ? Tlie universal sense of mankind, on any 
subject, is an argument, or at least an influence not easily overcome. The success 
of the argument in favor of the existence of an over-ruling Providence, mainly 
depends upon that sense ; and men ought not, in justice, to be denounced for yield- 
ing to it in any ease, or giving it up slowly, especially when they ai-e backed by 
interest, fixed habits, or burning appetites. 

Another eiTor, as it seems to me, into which the old reformers fell, was the posi- 
tion that all habitual tlrunkards were utterly incorrigible, and, therefore, must be 
turned acMft, and damned without remedy, in order that the grace of temperance 
might abound, to the temperate then, and to all mankind some hmidreds of years 
thereafter. There is in this something so repugnant to humanity, so uncharitable, 
so cold blooded and feehngless, that it never did, nor never can enlist the enthu- 
siasm of a popular cause. We could not love the man who taught it— we could not 
hear him with patience. The heart could not throw open its portals to it, the 
generous man could not adopt it, it could not mix with his blood. It looked so 
fiendishly selfish, so like throwing fathers and brothers overboard, to lighten the 
boat for our security— that the noble-minded shrank from the manifest meanness 
of the thing. And besides this, the benefits of a reformation to be effected by such 
a system, were too remote in point of time, to warmly engage many in its behalf. 
Pew can be induced to labor exclusively for posterity ; and none will do it enthusi- 
astically. Posterity has done nothing for us ; and theorize on it as we may, prac- 
tically we shall do very little for it, unless we are made to think we are, at the 
same time, doing something for ourselves. 

What an ignorance of human nature does it exliibit, to ask or expect a whole 
community to rise up and labor for the temporal happiness of others, after them- 
selves shall be consigned to the dust, a majority of which community takes no pains 
whatever to secure their own eternal welfare at no greater distant day ? Great 
distance .in either time or space has wonderful power to lull and render quiescent 
the human mind. Pleasures to be enjoyed, or pains to be endured, after we shall 
be dead and gone, are but little regarded, even in our own cases, and mucli less in 
the cases of others. 

Still, in addition to this, there is something so ludicrous in promises of good, or 
threats of evil, a great way off, as to render the whole subject with .which they are 
connected, easily turned into ridicule. "Better lay down that spade you're steahng, 
Paddy— if you don't you'll pay for it at the day of judgment." "Be the powers, if 
ye'U credit me so long I'll take another jist." 

By the Wasliingtonians this system of consigning the habitual dmnkard to 
hopeless ruin, is repudiated. They adopt a more enlai'ged philanthropy, they go 
for present as well as future good. They labor for all now hving, as well as here- 
after to Uve. They teach hope to all—despair to none. As applying to their cause 
they deny the doctrine of unpardonable sin, as in Christianity it is taught, so in 
this they teach — 

"While the lamp holds out to bum, 
The vilest sinner mav return." 



156 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

And, what is a matter of the most profound congratulation, they, by experiment 
upon experiment, and example upon example, prove the maxim to be no less time 
in the one case than in the other. On every hand we behold those who but yes- 
terday were the chief of sinners, now the chief apostles of the cause. Drunken 
devils are cast out by ones, by sevens, by legions ; and these unfortunate victims, 
like the poor possessed, who was redeemed from his long and lonely wanderings 
in the tombs, are publishing to the ends of the eailh how great things have been 
done for them. 

To these new champions, and this new system of tactics, our late success is 
mainly owing ; and to them we must mainly look for the consummation. The ball 
is roUing gloriously on, and none are so able as they to increase its speed and its 
bulk — to add to its momentum and its magnitude — even though unlearned in let- 
ters, for this task none are so well educated. To fit them for this work they have 
been taught in a true school. They have been in that gulf, from which they would 
teach others the means of escape. They have passed that prison wall which 
others have long declared impassable; and who that has not, shall dai'e to weigh 
opinions with them as to the mode of passing ? 

But if it be time, as I have insisted, that those who have suffered by intemper- 
ance personally, and have reformed, are the most powerful and efficient instru- 
ments to push the reformation to ultimate success, it does not follow that those 
who have not suffered have no part left them to perform. Whether or not the 
world would be vastly benefited by a total and final banishment from it of all in- 
toxicating drinks, seems to me not now an open question. Three-fourths of man- 
kind confess the affirmative with their tongues, and, I beheve, all the rest 
acknowledge it in their hearts. 

Ought any, then, to refuse their aid in doing what the good of the whole de- 
mands ? Shall he, who cannot do much, be, for that reason, excused if he- do 
nothing? "But," says one, "what good can I do by signing the pledge? I never 
drink, even without signing.". This question has ah'eady been asked and an- 
swered more than a million of times. Let it be answered once more. For the man 
to suddenly, or in any other way, to break off from the use of drams, who has 
indulged in them for a long course of years, and until his appetite for them has 
grown ten or a hundred fold stronger, and more craving than any natural 
appetite can be, requires a most powerful moral effort. In such an undertaking he 
needs every moral support and influence that can possibly be brought to his aid 
and thrown around him. And not only so, but every moral prop should be taken 
from whatever argument might arise in his mind to lure him to his backsliding. 
When he casts his eyes around him, he should be able to see all that he respects, 
all that he admires, aU that he loves, kindly and anxiously pointing him onward, 
and none beckoning him back, to his former miserable "wallowing in the mire." 

But it is said by some that men wiU think and act for themselves ; that none will 
disuse spirits or anything else because his neighbors do ; and that moral influence 
is not that powerful engine contended for. Let us examine this. Let me ask the 
man who could maintain this position most stiffly, what compensation he will 
accept to go to church some Sunday and sit during the sermon with his wife's bon- 
net upon his head ? Not a trifle, I'll venture. And why not ? There would be 
nothing irreligious in it; nothing immoral, nothing uncomfortable — then why not ? 
Is it not because there would be something egregiously unfashionable in it? Then 
it is the influence of fashion; and what is the influence of fashion but the influence 
that other people's actions have on om- own actions — the strong inclination each of 
us have to do as we see our neighbors do? Nor is the influence of fashion con- 



THE LINCOLN GUAia) OF HONOR. l-'T 

fined to any particular thing or class of things. It is just as strong on one sub- 
ject as another. Let us make it as unfashionable to withhold our names from the 
temperance pledge as for husbands to wear their wives' bonnets to church, and 
instances will be just as rai'e in one case as the other. 

" But," say some, " we are no drunkards and shall not ackiiowl(>dgo ouisdves as 
such by joining a reformed drunkards' society, whatever our inlluence might be." 
Surely no Christian will adhere to this objection. 

If they believe, as they profess, that Omnipotence condescended to take on Him- 
self the form of sinful man, and, as such, to die an ignominious death for their 
sakes, surely they will not refuse submission to the infinitely lesser cond<>scension, 
for the temporal,"and, perhaps, eternal, salvatFon of a large, erring and unfortunate 
class of their fellow creatures. Nor is the condescension very great. In my judg- 
ment, such of us as have not fallen victims have been spared more from the absence 
of appetite than from any mental or moral superiority over those who have. In- 
deed, I believe, if we take habitual drunkards as a class, their heads and their 
heai-ts wiU bear an advantageous comparison with any other class. There seems 
ever to have been a proneness in the brilUant and warm-blooded to fall into this 
vice— the demon of intemperance ever seems to have delighted in sucking the 
blood of genius and of generosity'. What one of us but can call to mind some 
relative, more promising in youth than all his fellows, who has falhm a sacrifice to 
to his rapacity? He ever seems to have gone forth like the Egyptian angel of 
Death, commissioned to slay, if not the first, the fairest born, of every family. 
Shall he now be ai-rested in his desolating career? In that arrest, all can give aid 
that wiU; and who shall be excused that can, and wiU not? Far around as human 
breath has ever blown, he keeps our fathers, our brothers, our sons, and our 
friends prostrate in the chains of moral death. To all the living elsewhere, we 
cr>', "Come, sound the moral tnnnp, that there may rise and stand up an exeeed- 
ing'great army." "Come from the four winds, O breath! and breathe upon these 
slain that they may live." If the relative grandeur of revolutions shall be estimated 
by the great amount of human misery they alleviate, and the small amount they 
inflict, then, indeed, will this be the grandest the world shall (;v<!r have seen. 

Of our political revolution of '76 we are all justly proud. It has given us a de- 
gree of political freedom far exceeding that of any other nation of the earth. In 
it the world has found a solution of the long-mooted problem' as to the capability of 
man to govern himself. In it is the germ which has vegetated, and still is to grow 
and expand into the universal liberty of mankind. 

But, with all these glorious results, past, present, and to come, it had its evils, 
too. It breathed forth famine, swam in blood, and rode in fire; and long, long after, 
the orphans' ciy and the widows' wail continued to break the sad silence that en- 
sued. These were the price, the inevitable priee, paid for the blessings it bought. 
Turn now, to the temperance revolution. In it we shall find stronger bondage 
broken, a viler slavery manumitted, a greater tyrant deposed— in it, more of want 
supplied, more disease healed; more sorrow assuaged. By it, no orphans staning, 
no widows weeping. By it, none wounded in feeUng, none injured in interest; 
even the dram-maker and dram-seller wiU have glided into other occupations so 
gradually as never to have felt the change, and will stand ready to join all others 
in the universal song of gladness. And what a noble ally this to the cause of politi- 
cal freedom. With such an aid, its march cannot fail to be on and on, till every son 
of earth shall drink, in rich fruition, the sorrow-quenching draughts of perfect lib- 
erty. Happy day, when, all appetites controlled, aU poisons subdued, aU matter 



158 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

subjected, mind, all-conquering mind, shall live and move, the monarch of the 
world. Glorious consummation! Hail, fall ot f my! Keign of reason, all hail! 

And when the '/ictoiy shall be complete — when there shall be neither a slave nor 
a drunkard on the eai-th— how proud the title of that Land which may truly claim 
to be the birthplace and the cradle of both those i-evolutions that shall have ended 
in that victory. How nobly distinguished that people, who shall have planted, and 
nurtured to maturity, both the pohtical and moral freedom of their species. 

This is the one hundred and tenth anniversary of the birthday of Washington. 
We are met to celebrate this day. Washington is the mightiest name of earth — 
long since mightiest in the cause of civil hberty, still mightiest in moral reforma- 
tion. On that name a eulogy is expected. It cannot be. To add brightness to 
the sun, or gloiy to the name of Washington, is alike impossible. Let none at- 
tempt it. In solemn awe pronounce the name, and in its naked, deathless splendor 
leave it shining on. 

The Choir then sang — 

OuK Noble Chief has Passed Away. 
An Elegy on the Death of 
Abraham Lincoln. 
Words by Geo. Cooper, . . - - Music by J. K. Thomas. 

Our Noble chief has passed away! 
His form is lying still and cold, 
And hearts that have the bloom of May 
park sorrow's wings in gloom enfold. 
A great and mighty Nation mourns! 
We bless his loved and honored name, 
O brighter than a million dawns 
Forever more shall be his fame! 
Chokus: We weep for him! 

But far along the years to be. 
Shall gleana with years that none may dim, 
His glorious immortality! 
Now calmly moulder in the dust 
The gentle heart the kindly hand. 
And purpose ever true and just, 
That freedom gave to all our land! 

Our Father hear a Nation's pray'r, 
And shield his loving ones who mourn! 
O heal the bruised hearts they bear. 
And from the darkness wake the dawn! 
Choeijs: We weep for him! 

ADDEESS by HON. JAMES A. CONNOLLY. 

Me. Peesident, Ladies and Gentlemen: — Seventeen years ago T chanced to 
be in the city of New York on the occasion of the funeral of Abraham Lincoln. 
Being then away from my post with Sherman's army, I chanced to be the only 
volunteer officer from the State of Illinois, perhaps, and was detailed upon the 
guard that took charge of the remains of the departed President in the City Hall 
of New York. I remained on that duty fi'om midnight until 3 o'clock in the mom- 



THP] LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOIL 159 

ing, and there saw what I never expect to see again in this country, the entire 
devotion of all classes of people, rich and poor, black and white, to the memoiy of 
Abraham Lincoln. 

I did not then expect, nor indeed think of it, that in the lapse of seventeen years I 
should find myself here before an audience of his old friends and neighbors, standing 
by the side of his tomb upon an occasion of this sort, to commemorate the virtues and 
worth of that great man. Bui so is it with men like him, as the years pass by and 
their personaUty recedes into the past, their greatness rises more and more to view, 
and the generations that are to follow us will doubtless look with more admiration 
and greater wonder upon Lincoln and his fame than we do to-day. 

For the same reason that Governor CuUom reduced to writing what he proposed 
to say, to keep from tiring you, I, too, have put on paper some of the thoughts that 
I have thought worthy to be pronounced on this occasion by the side of the tomb 
of Abraham Lincoln. 

But little more than twenty years ago, Abraham Lincoln was quietly living with 
his little family in a plain home in this city, going his daily rounds among people 
who had known him from his earliest manhood, his angular form and homely, 
pleasant face known to all. None too poor or plainly clad to be beneath his notice 
— everj' one sure of a greeting that came bright and spontaneous as the ghtter of 
the sunbeam. Men gathered around him as the particles of metal around a mag- 
net — he was a human magnet, not in a mere physical sense, but in a higher, more 
subtle, more elevated sense. He chamied and attracted in a way that made men 
wonder as they felt the spell, were swayed by its potency, and Ufted beyond them- 
selves by the marvelous fertihty and creative power of his intellect. As he went 
from county to county on his wide circuit, men followed him without knowing why. 
When the night fell, and the bar gathered to make a night of it with wit and song 
and story, the gathering was sure to be where Lincoln was, and while the rest of 
the company burnished their wits, after the fashion of the Knights of the Eound 
Table, Lincoln, abstemious as an anchorite, seemed to draw from an inexliaustible 
fountain such rich treasure of wit and story that the rest of the company always 
crowned him king of the carnival; and yet, when they looked upon that sad, homely 
face in repose, they wondered whence came his magic spell that so enthralled them. 

And so the years went on, from early manhood to middle life and a Uttle beyond 
—his name and fame always growing stronger and coming closer to the firesides 
and the hearts of the plain people who knew him. He was the friend of the humble 
—the champion of the weak — the idol of the bar— the sunshine of the court, and, 
finally, the north star of his party. No high, vaulting ambition disturbed him. the 
accumulation of wealth had no chai-ms for him, but he devoted himself to his fam- 
ily — his profession — his friends. 

To-day, how great the change we find the twenty years have wrought. The 
genial, kind-hearted, sad-faced Lincoln is in his tomb. The famihar friends, whose 
toiling lives he brightened, have nearly all gone to join him on the shining shore; 
the family, to whom he was devoted, all gone but a single son, whom the Nation 
honors for his father's sake, and hopes still further to honor for his own, and the 
heart-broken wife left to finish life's journey alone, for — 
" The mossy mai'bles rest 
On the lips that she has pressed 

In their bloom. 
And the names she loved to hear 
Have been carved for many a year 
On the tomb." 



160 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

But while the years have brought physical death to Lincoln, and gi'ief too deep 
for words or tears to his family and friends, yet they have brought to him that 
immortalitj' for which, in vain, soldiers have fought, kings have conquered, poets 
have sung, and statesmen have labored, and to-day, wherever civiUzation reigns, 
the name of Lincoln is a household word. 

His greatness insensibly stole upon the Nation and the woiid as the flowers 
breathe their fragrance on the senses. 

His fame came to him as life comes to the child, without effort on his part. 

Like the flower that blooms in the night, his forces were held in check while his 
countiy was bright with the sun of prosperity, and it was only when the night of 
adversity came to that countiy, that Providence permitted his wondrous intel- 
lectual force and beauty to unfold itself. 

But then, when the night came, and the darkness appalled the stoutest heart — 
when the storms of wai' were let loose, and our whole political firmament was black 
with the gloom of death, rayless and starless — when the leaders who marched in 
the front of the people when all was holiday parade, shrank back from their posts 
of honor and duty — when the plain people found themselves standing by the open 
grave which slavery and treason had dug for their loved nation, and when the un- 
disciplined valor of millions of free men cried out in agony for a leader with cour- 
age and wisdom to lead them aright — then it was that the same God that raised 
up a Moses for the children of Irael— the same God that directed the sling of a 
David against a Goliath — the same God that created a Washington to direct the 
councils and to lead the armies of a young republic to victory, raised up om- Lin- 
coln and gave him wisdom and courage to purge the Nation of its feaif ul crime 
and save it from desti'uction. 

A contemplation of his quiet courage when all others were appalled, the steady 
faith in ultimate triumph that inspired him, the apparent ease with which he bore 
the heavy burdens of his countiy through all the clouded years of war, the subtle 
wisdom with which he guided all the dehcate affairs of State, and the skill he dis- 
played in reaching the chords of the people's hearts with his plain but touching 
words, must make the veriest caviler and skeptic exclaim: "Who but a God could 
have made a Lincoln!" 

Who, that had reached the years of manhood in 1861, that does not remember 
that marvelous inaugural address ? 

What a pause its Delphic language caused in the plots of the conspirators. 

It had the same effect upon them that the blazing torch of the deer-stalker has 
upon the deer in the night time. 

They paused in their dark work to look upon, scrutinize, digest that wonderful, 
ingenious production of Lincoln's brain. 

They expected an inaugural of bluster and bludgeons, but this one was fair to 
look upon, its polished blades so covered with velvet phrase that it forced the con- 
spirators, and the thoughtless, careless citizen, to pause, examine, think. That 
pause, brief though it was, gave reason and patriotism time to be heard at eveiy 
fireside in the North, and then came the uprising, and who shall describe it ? 

The son left the corpse of the parent by the grave; the bridegroom huiTied from 
his bride by the altar; the husband kissed a hasty good-bye to the wife; no rela- 
tion of life was found strong enough to restrain the manly man from rushing to his 
country's standard after Lincoln had unfmled it, and with quiet heroism called 
them to his side. 



THE LINCOLN GUAKD OF HONOR. iGl 

The story of all these years of marching, camping, fighting, of wounds, priva- 
tions, hunger, cold, prison, victory, defeat, and heroic death, cannot be written 
without the story of Lincoln being interwoven into its warp and woof. 

Those days that now seem to us shrouded in a wondrous unreality. Men sud- 
denly found themselves transported from the quiet of a country fireside to the 
leadership of charging battalions; from the quiet of the plowboy's life to the active, 
tireless, I'eckless life of the cavalry scout ; the teacher suddenly exchanged 
the children under his care for the company of armed and bearded men 
each with his life in his hand ; the boy who had rarely spent a night away 
from Ms father's roof, scarce knowing how he got there, found himself in imiform, 
with musket on shoulder, marching o\er strange roads and in eager haste with his 
comrades to reach the noise and tumult and rt)ai' of l)attle that he heard ahead ; he 
who had been tenderly reared, and still feeling the warmth of a good-bye kiss 
upon his lips, finds himself alone at night, wet with the falling dew, chilled with 
the night winds, lying in the pale moonlight, parched with the wounded sol- 
dier's feai-ful thirst, and weak from loss of blqod. Dead comrades lie ai'ound him, 
but none to give him help or hope. 

All ages and classes and ranks and professions are suddenly found on the battle's 
perilous edge, and lives go out, and heroes are made, and fame is won, out of 
which a future Homer, yet unborn, shall write Columbia's Iliad, and the master 
spirit, the ehiefest hero of the Ihad, will be Abraliam Lincoln. 

But oh, how inexpressibly sad was the tragic ending of it all! 

That April morning shone out bright and beautiful, and in its sunshine brought 
promise of better things. The men of the North, with their swords, had cut an 
open pathway to the gulf, and the Mississippi's waters once more rolled unvexed 
to the sea; Vicksburg's rugged heights had sm-rendered to the Union armies; the 
cloud-capped summit of Lookout had been glorified by the starry flag floating 
from its misty summit ; Mission Eidge had been passed ; the dark valley of Chicka- 
mauga was ours; and Sherman, with his victorious legions, had penetrated the 
land of the conspirators and met his welcoming comi-ades on the Atlantic coast, 
while Sheridan had finished his Winchester ride, and Grant had ended his war- 
rior's work in the tangled brakes of the wilderness by the famous surrender at 
Appomattox. 

All was hope of peace ; nd joy for work well done. Prom every home through- 
out the North "the prayer of thanks and song of joy swelled out. A race of dusky 
men was free, their shackles broken, and themselves lifted into the bright sunlight 
of manhood, where God intended them to be. The camp-fires were lighted by the 
jolly soldier boys, and around them they sang and talked of peace, of home, 
wife, children and friends ; the night skies under the southern cross were vocal 
with the shouts and songs and meiTy-makings of a million northern men, who 
were boys again, and singing their songs to Father Abraham and cheering for Lin- 
coln, for victory and the girls they left behind them. 

But, suddenly, amid all this glad acclaim, when the angiy passions of the battle 
days were subdued by the gentle influence of the new-bom peace, the pistol shot 
of Booth rang out to startle the Nation, the army, the world! 

And so came Lincoln's end suddenly, when his work was done, when his Nation 
"was cleansed through his efforts from its great crime, when all he set out for was 
accomplished, he stepped "from the topmost roimd of Fame's ladder" to his place 
immortal in the skies, and his life, in all its st<ir>', recalls those lines of that famous 
American, now sleeping in his fresh-made grave: 



1(52 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

" Lives of great men all remind us 

We can make our lives sublime, 
And departing leave behind us 

Footprints on the sands of time." 

Mrs. Edward S. Johnson then read the poem, by H. H. 
Brownellj on the death of Abraham Lincoln: 

Dead is the roll of the drums, 

And the distant thunders die, 

They fade in the far-off sky; 
And the lovely summer comes. 
Like the smile of Him on high. 

For the kindly seasons love us; 

They smile on trench and clod, 
Where the brave and true he sleeping 

There's a brighter green of the sod, 
And a holier calm above us 

In the blessed blue of God. 

The ravage of war has ceased; 

And nature, that never yields, 
Is busy with sun and rain 
At her old sweet work again 

In the lonely battlefields. 

And the bee hums in the clover, 
As the pleasant spring comes on, 

And the cruel war is over, 
But our good Father is gone. 

There was a trembling of traitor fort, 

Flaming of traitor fleet — 
Lighting of city and port, 

Clasping in square and street. 

'There was thunder of mine and gun. 

Cheering by mast and tent, 
'V\lien, his great work all done 
And his high fame full won, 
Died the good President. 

In his quiet chair he sate, 

Pure of malice or guile. 
Stainless of fear or hate. 

And there played a pleasant smile 
On the rough and careworn face. 

The brave old flag drooped o'er him 
A fold in the hard hand lay. 
He looked, perchance, on the play, 

But the scene was a shadow before him. 
For his thoughts were far away. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 103 

*Twas dying, the war's dread clang, 

But forever th(> blessed ray 

Of peace should brighten the day, 

Murder stood by the way ; 
Treason struck home his fang- 
One throb — and, without a pang. 

That pure soul passed away. 

Idle, in this our blindness, 
To marvel, we cannot see 
Wherefore such things should be, 

Or to question Infinite kindness 
Of this or that decree. 

Kindly spirit! Ah, when did treason 

Bid such generous nature cease, 
Mild by temper and strong by reason, 

But ever leaning to love and peace. 

Patient when saddest, calm when sternest. 
Grieved when rigid, for justice sake; 

Given to jest, yet ever in eai-nest. 
If aught of right or truth were at stake. 

But, Lincoln, 'tis well with thee; 

And ever since, when God draws nigh, 
Some grief for the good must be. 

It was well even so to die — 

'Mid the thunder of treason's fall, 
The yielding of haughty town. 

The crashing of serfdom's wail, 
The trembling of tyrant crownl 

Dost thou feel it, oh, noble heart? 

So grieved and so wronged below, 
From the rest wherein thou art? 

Do they see it, those patient eyes? 

Is there heed in the happy skies 
For tokens of world-wide woe. 

How, under a nation's pall 
The dust so dear in our sight 

To its home on the prairie passed 
The leagues of f imeral ; 

The myriads, mom and night, 
Pressing to look their last. 

But — ^perished? "WTio was it said 

Our Leader had passed away? 
Dead? Our President dead? 

He has not died for a day I 



164 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

We mourn for a little breath, 
Such as late or soon dust yields, 

But the dark Flower of Death 
Blooms in the fadeless fields, 

He never was more aUve, 
Never nearer than now. 

As our aching hearts look upwards, 

To a fairer than summer lands, 
"With his own brave staff around lum. 

There our President stands. 

The stainless and the time. 
These by their Hero stand, 

To look on his last review, 
Or march with the old command. 

And lo, from a thousand fields. 

From all the old battle haunts, 
A greater army than Sherman wields 

A grander review than Grant's! 

Gathered home from the grave, 
Bisen from sun and rain, 

Bescued from wind and wave, 
Out of the stormy main. 

The legions of our brave 
Are all in their lines again. 

A tenderer green than May 

The Eternal season wears. 
The blue of our summer's day 

Is dim and pallid to theirs — 
The horror has faded away. 

And heaven comes all unawares! 

Tents on the Infinite shore. 
Flags in the azure sky. 

Sails on the seas once, 
To-day in the heaven on high, 

All under arms once mora 

All the ships and their men 

Are in line of battle to-day, 
All at quarters, as when 

Their last roU thundei'ed away — 
All at their guns as then. 

For the fleet salutes to-day. 

The armies have broken camp 
On the vast and sunny plain ; 

With steady and measured tramp, 
They are aU marching again. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 165 

In solid platoons of steel, 

Under heaven's triumphal arch, 
The long lines break and wheel, 
And the word is "Forward, march." 

The colors ripple o'er head. 

The dnims roll up to the sky, 
And, with martial time and tread. 

The regiments all pass by — 
The ranks of our faithful dead. 
Meeting their President's eye. 
With soldier's quiet pride. 

They smile o'er the perished pain, 
At thy call. Great Captain, we died! 
And we did not die in vain. 

March on, your last brave mile! 

Salute him. Star and Lace : 
FoiTu round him, rank and file, 

And look on the kind, rough face ; 
But the quaint aud homely smile 

Has a glory and a grace 
It never had known erewhile — ■ 
Never, in time or space. 
Close round him, hearts of pride f 

Press near him, side by side — 
Our Father is not alone ! 

For the holy right ye died — 
And Christ, the Cnieified, 
"Welcomes His own. 

The choir then led in singing our National hjmn, America. 
(Words on page 126.) 

The exercises were brought to a close with the following 
prayer and benediction by Rev. Winfield Scott Matthew, 
Pastor of the Second M. E. Church, Springfield. 

"We thank Thee, God our Heavenly Father, for the privilege that we have just 
enjoyed. We thank Thee for these brave and true words which have been spoken; 
for these inspiriting songs to which we have Hstened. We thank Thee for the 
spirit of this occasion; and we thank Thee most of all for the brave and true life 
that was Uved, and for the noble name that we commemorate this day. We bless 
Thy name, God, that Thou hast never forsaken those who have trusted in Thee, 
and that Thou hast always raised up defenders for the right. 

We pray for Thy blessing and protection, therefore, as we leave this place. Re- 
member the people of this land, and, as in the past, so we beseech Thee, that in 
all time to come Thou wilt watch over us and preserve us and defend us. Go with 
this company to their homes. Be with us in life's journey. Bless the Nation ; 
and the Lord grant that true Liberty may advance in all the earth, and that Thy 
Kingdom may come and Thy will be done among all men. And now, O God, again 
we commend us to Thee. Be with us and save us, for Jesus sake. And may the 
blessing of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be with us forever. Amen. 



1G6 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

That ends the tMrd memorial service. 

At a meeting- of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, May 2, 1882, 
bills were allowed and ordered to be paid, for the use of 
seats and hauling them to the monument and back, for 
printing, for flowers, for music, etc., etc., amounting to $33.65 
as part of the expenses of Lincoln Memorial Day. 

May 30, 1882, The Lincoln Guard of Honor united inform- 
ally with the Grand Army of the Kepublic in decorating the 
tomb of Lincoln. 

Wednesday, July 19, 1882, all the nine members of The 
Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled at the monument. Mrs. 
Mary Todd Lincoln died Sunday evening, July 16, 1882, at 
the residence of her sister, Mrs. Ninian W. Edwards, in the 
house where she had been married Nov. 4, 1842, to Abraham 
Lincoln. We had with others aided in making preparations 
for the funeral, under the direction of the citizens committee 
of arrangements, and at the monument quietly attend to 
such things as were likely to be overlooked by others, especi- 
ally guarding the entrance to the catacomb, that the magnifi- 
cent floral tributes might not be disturbed or thoughtlessly 
marred in any way. Each of us wore the badge of our society 
which led many to suppose that we had charge of the funeral, 
but that was not the case. The remains of Mrs. Lincoln, in a 
double lead lined, air tight coffin, were deposited that day in 
the crypt No. 4, interior of the catacomb, but the panels 
were only in part put in. 

Friday, July 21, 1882, in the forenoon Hon. John T. Stuart, 
chairman of the executive committee of the National Lincoln 
Monument Association, made known to both the president 
and secretary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, that it was 
the desire of Hon. Eobert T. Lincoln, that we should assemble 
quietly in the night time, take the remains of his mother out 
of the crypt and deposit them beside the bodj^ of his father. 
Notice was accordingly given to the members and that eve- 
ning at ten o'clock we assembled at the monument. 

A full account of our labors on that occasion is recorded 
in Division Sixth. 

\ 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 167 



DIVISION TENTH. 

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-THREE. 



Fourth Annual Meeting — Names of the First Honoraiy Members — Certifioates of 
Honorary Membership — But a small number sold — Others were issued gratu- 
itously — Officers re-elected for another year — Fourth Memorial Semce, the 
only one held on Sunday — Greetings from CaUforuia — Original poem read by 
a brother of William CuUen Piyant, 



The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 

Leland Hotel, Monday, Febrnary 12, 1883. 

7:30 o'clock p. m. 

fourth annual meeting. 

Present — Dana, Eeece, Power, McNeill, Liudley and Chapin. 
Absent — Wiggins, Johnson and Conkling. 
INIinntes of May 2, 1882, and intervening meetings, read and 
approved. 
Treasurer McNeill made his annual report as follows : 

President and members of The Lincoln Guard of Honor: 

Gentlemen: — Herewith I respectfully present my report as 
treasurer for the year ending to-night. 
Received from sales of certificates of Honorary Membership. 

P. T. Piatt, Chicago .". |5.00 

W. A. McNeill, Oskaloosa, Iowa 5.00 

A. R. Robinson, Springfield, Illinois 5.00 

Franklin McVeigh, Chicago 5.00 

Ferdinand Schumacher, Akron, Ohio 10.00 

Frank F. Dana, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 5.00 



168 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



The following- is a copy of the 

CERTIFICATE OF MEMBERSHIP, 

Having paid the sum of Dollars, 

Mr , is hereby constituted an 

Honorary Member of 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 

An Association incorporated under the laws of the State of 
Illinois, February 12, 1880, by John Carroll Power, Gus- 
tavus S. Dona, Jasper Jf. Reece, James F. McJ^eill, Joseph P. 
Lindley, Edward S. Jolmson, Horace Chapin, Jfoble B. 
Wiggins and Clinton L. Conkling, and having for its objects 
the raising of a fund ivith ivhich to purchase and hold in 
trust for the public, the former Home of Abraham Lincoln, 
and to observe the anniversaries of his birth and death by 
appropriate Memorial Services. 



Springfield, III., 1 88 

G. S. DAJ^A, 

President. 

J. C. POWER, 

Secretary. 




The certificate is handsomely embellished with a portrait 
of Lincoln, and pictures each of the National Lincoln Monu- 
ment and the Lincoln Home. 

The total receipts from all sources for the year amounted 
to $57.25, and disbursements the same. Part of it was raised 
by an assessment of f3.50 for each member, in order to de- 
fray running expenses. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 169 

AVheii the certificate of Honorary Membership was ordered 
to be hthogTaplied, and one thonsand copies printed, early in 
1882, the snni of two hnndred dolUirs was borrowed, for 
which a note was given, signed by all the members. 

At a meeting, April 3, 1883, it became apparent to all that 
the effort to defray our expenses by the sale of certificates of 
Honorary Membership would not be successful. Soon after 
we organized, it was ascertained that the Lincoln Home was 
not for sale, and we were thus reliev^ed of the necessity of 
raising money for the purchase and maintainance of it, which 
has been full}^ alluded to in a former division, and would not 
be mentioned here but for the fact that it is part of our cer- 
tificate of Honorary Membership. We could readily have sold 
certificates of real membershij) for ten dollars each, and would 
have found no difiiculty in raising anywhere between one 
thousand and ten thousand dollars in that way, but our trust 
was felt to be too sacred to extend the secrets we held to an 
indefinite number, and each member preferred to keep them 
within the limits fixed at our organization, and raise the 
mone^' we needed from time to time by assessments among 
ourselves. The note given for two hundred dollars, with the 
accrued interest, would require $24.11 to be paid by each 
member. It was determined to meet it at once and cancel 
the obligation, which was done. The entire sale of Honorary 
Memberships never brought a sufficient amount to refund the 
cost of them. 

Having abandoned the idea of selling Honorary Member- 
ships, we issued a number of certificates to parties who had 
rendered us special services, without naming a price, though 
in most cases we received more benefit than if the regular 
price had been paid. Unfortunately, there was not a com- 
plete record kept. The Secretary can only remember the fol- 
lowing parties to whom they w^ere issued, although there 
were a number of others: 

Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., of Newton Centre, Massa- 
chusetts, author of "America." 

Mrs. Lelia P. Roby, and her husband, Hon. Edward Roby, 
of Chicago. 

Gen. Joseph Stockton, of Chicago. 

Hon. John R. Walsh, of Chicago. 

—11 



170 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

Louis Ottofy, Grand Forks, Dakota. 

Geu. Edwin A, Sherman, Oakland, Cal. 

Mrs. John A. Nafew, of Springfield, 111. 

Mr. Dodd, of Orleans, 111. 

Miss .Josephine P. Cleveland, Spring-field. 

At this meeting a communication was received from Bro. 
James F McNeill, regretfully tendering his resignation of the 
office of treasurer, with a statement of his accounts and a 
check for the balance in his hands. He had determined to 
remove to Oskaloosa, Iowa. A paper was prepared and 
signed by all the other members, expressing our regret at 
parting, asking him to retain the office to the end of the 
term, for which he was elected. Of course his removal did 
not effect his membership. By common consent Bro. Lindley 
discharged the duties of the office to the end of Bro. McNeill's 
term. The entire board of officers were re-elected for another 
year, and preparations made for 

Our Fourth Memorial Service. 

Pkogkamme op Memoeiaij Sekvices, to be held on the Eighteenth Anni- 
versary OF THE Death of Abraham Lincoln. 

Semees will begin at half-past two o'clock on the afternoon of Sunday, April 
15th. They will be held at the Catacomb of the National Lincoln Monument, 
under the auspices of The LiNCOiiN Guard of Honor. A cordial invitation is 
extended to all citizens, and strangers who may be in the city, to be present and 
unite in the services. 

As it is desired to make this, in part, a Children's Day, all Sunday Schools are 
invited to join in the exercises. The representatives of each school should be ac- 
companied by the superintendent and teachers. 

ORDER OF exercises. 

Ppayer, _ . - By Kev.B.F.Crouse, of the English Lutheran Church. 
Singing, ... - - Under direction of Geo. A. Sanders, Esq. 

Address, __------ By Hon. James A. Connolly. 

(Mr. Connolly was vmavoidably absent, and his place filled by Gen. T. J. Henderson.) 
Beading— An original Poem, - - - By John H. Bryant, of Princeton, 111. 
Address to the Children, ----- By Bev. E. 0. Post, 

of the Congregational Church. 
Beading— President Lincoln's Sunday Order to the Army and Navy, 

By CUnton L. Conkling. 
Singing — 

Prayer and Benediction, By Eev. G. E. Scrimger, 

Of the Second M. E. Church. 
After the benediction, the catacomb will be opened for the chilcken to pass in 
and place flowers or evergreens on the sarcophagus. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 171 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled near the catacomb 
of the National Lincoln ^Monument, at half past two o'clock 
in the afternoon, Sunday, April 15, 1883. 

Present— Dana, Keece, Power, Lindley, Wiggins, Conkhng, 
Chapin and Johnson. Absent— McNeill. 

There were about fifteen hundred citizens and strangers 
present. The afternoon was clear and cool. A bracing wind 
from the west made it necessary to remove the platform 
from the west to the east side of the catacomb. The plat- 
form was carpeted and bore a stand covered with flowers, an 
organ and seats for speakers and musicians. 

President Dana, for the fourth time, took the stand as 
master of ceremonies, exactly at half-past two o'clock, and 
introduced the Rev. B. F. Grouse, of the English Lutheran 
Church, who opened the exercises with the following prayer: 

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, Thou who art the God of nations and 
ruler of the same; Thou who doest according to Thy good will in the armies of 
Heaven and among the inhabitants of earth, and none can stay Thy hand or say 
w-hat doest Thou ; it is in Thy presence and unto Thee that we would look at this 
time, invoking Thy blessing as we have come together this Sabbath afternoon, and 
as we stand together in the presence of the moldering form of one who gave his 
life upon the altar of the Nation for the principles of humanity, justice and of civil 
liberty to all men, irrespective of i-ace or color, we would ask Thee, O God, to let 
Thy blessing rest upon us. Wilt Thou bless this Nation of ours? May it, in truth, 
be an asylum for the oppressed and distressed of all nations and peoples who may 
come among us to rest within our borders. We pray that Thou wilt bless the 
rulers of this Nation and all who are in places of authority, let those places be 
greater or smaller. Oh, may they be men who may be actuated by principles of 
justice and equity and principles of humanity. May they be actuated by prin- 
ciples of honor to our God and to His Christ, so that they may rule in righteous- 
ness, setting such examples before the people as may be worthy of emulation. We 
thank Thee for this Nation's gift of Qvnl and religious liberty to mankind. W^e 
thank Thee that all races, in-espective of color or class, may find here a home, and 
we pray that this Nation's principles of justice and equity may be so imbedded in 
the hearts of the people of all lands that they may be led at last to pay true hom- 
ao-e to the golden rule, and do to others as they would that others should do to 
them. Bless all this people and all their interests, for the elevation of mankind ; 
bless us in these our imperfect breathings ; bless the exercises of this afternoon ; 
lead us all into Thy presence, and save us all at last, we ask for Jesus' sake. Amen. 

"The Battle Hymn of the Republic" was then sung by the 
choir of the First Congregational Church, under the direction 
of George A. Sanders. 



172 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

A GREETING AND RESPONSE FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO SPRINGFIELD, 

J. C. Power read as follows: 

In San Francisco there is a society bearing a similar name to our own, but differ- 
ing in construction according to the circumstances surrounding each. They hold 
memorial services, the same as we do. This morning, the following telegram was 
received from that society : 

"J. C. Power, Custodian National Lincoln Monument: God bless Abraham 
Lincoln's memory. We consecrate it here, and, in spirit, with you there. 

" Edwin A. Sherman, 
"National Lincoln Guard of Honor." 

The reply was: 

National Lincoln Monument, April 15, 1883. — Gen. Edtcin A. Sherman and 
Brothers, L. G. of H., San Francisco, Cal. — Greeting : . We are pleased that kin- 
dred spirits mingle with ours, while assembled at the tomb of our martyr-ed chief,, 
doing honor to his memory. The Lincoln Guakd or Honor. 

Gen. Thomas J. Henderson, a gallant soldier, a member of 
Congress, and a citizen of Princeton, Illinois, was next in- 
troduced, and delivered the following- address: 

Fellow Citizens, Ladies and Gentlemen: — It is due to myself as well as 
to you, to say that I am not here to-day expecting to address you. I came to 
your city last night in company with my old friend, Mr. Bryant, who is to read to 
you a poem on this occasion, intending of course to be present and to unite with 
you in these services, but, until perhaps an hour and a half or two houi'sago, I had 
not the slightest intimation that I would be called on to say a word myself. 

To my mind the saddest memoiy of the late war is that of the death of Abraham 
Lincoln. It occurred after nearly four years of cruel and bloody strife. It oc- 
curred in the very hour and first flush of the Nation's triumph. It occurred in the 
first whisper of the sweet promise of peace breathing across the troubled land 
when every aching heart was throbbing with gladness, if not with gratitude, to the 
Giver of All Good for the safe deliverance of our land from the fierce arbitrament 
of war. It occurred after his own long and patient watching and, I might add, his 
prayerful anxiety for the deliverance of this Nation, after his heart had been 
bowed down with the heavy burdens which it had to bear during the long struggle, 
and when he might well have hoped to live the rest of his most noble and glorious 
life in peace in the land which he had done so much to save. 

It was my good fortune — for so I have thought it — to have known Mr. Lincoln 
from my veiy boyhood — to have known him well, and to have been inspired, as I 
have some times thought, somewhat by the noble patriotism which animated him, 
as I believed, from my efu-liest recollections of the man to the very day and hour 
of his death. That he was a noble man, that he was a true man, that he was a 
patriot in the highest and best sense of the term, no man who knew him can for a 
moment doubt. It was in this city more than 40 years ago when he uttered those 
words which, with others he has spoken, will live for his salie and for the sake of 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 173 

the patriotic truth they contain : "If ever I feel the soul within me lift and expand 
to those dimensions not altogether unworthy of its Heavenly architect, it is when 
I contemplate the cause of my country, deserted by all the world beside, and I 
standing up boldly and alone and hurting defiance at her victorious oppressors." 
And it was the spirit of that earnest patriotism which bore him up through the 
terrible struggle of the war. It was his earnest desire that this government of the 
people, by the people, and for the people, should be maintained to the last genera- 
tions of men, that gave him strength to bear his arduous duties and responsibih- 
ties, together with the faith he ever cherished that aU would yet be well ; and as 
we stand here to-day around this worthy monument erected to his memory, we 
ought to remember that patriotism, fellow-citizens, and it ought to make us purer 
and better men. It ought to make us love the liberties we enjoy in this great and 
good land of ours, if possible more deeply and truly than we do. 

He was the emancipator of the slave— the spokesman of freedom to all races 
and conditions of men, and nothing in Abraham Lincon was more to be admired 
and loved than his equal justice and sympathy toward high and low, and rich and 
poor, and bond and free alike throughout all the earth, and it was such sentiments 
which sustained him and which I trust have been, through his great example, 
transmitted and perpetuated to this whole countiy. 

He was an honor to our State, and all, at least, who happened then to be in poU- 
tical sympathy with him, will remember with what exultation here his nomination 
to the high office he was to fill so well was hailed. He was elected and inaugur- 
ated under circumstances the most trying, and at the end of the long sti-uggle 
through which he led, in the hour of victoiy he feU, true to the last, and everywhere 
lamented. And though this monument built of granite seems most enduring, his 
memory will outlast it in the hearts of aU men who love liberty, not in this land 
only, but in all lands and among all people on the face of the earth— who love and 
live for the good of mankind. 

Mr. John H. Bryant, of Princeton, Illinois, brother of the 
distinonished poet, William Cullen Bryant, by way of intro- 
duction, made the following remarks: 

Fellow-Citizens, Ladies and Gentlemen : A distinguished poet, when re- 
cently asked to write a poem for a certain occasion, is reported to have excused him- 
self on account of his age, saying that no person who had passed his seventieth year 
should attempt to wi-ite poetiy. If the gentleman was correct in the remark 
attributed to him, it would seem the height of presumption in me, who never pre- 
tended to be much of a poet, and who has ahready passed the middle fine between 
seventy and eighty years, to think of producing anything worthy of the subject 
and the occasion that has called this assembly together. 

It is now nearly half a century since I first met Mr. Lincohi, and became some- 
what acquainted with him. Even then I felt drawn toward him, on account of his 
genial, social nature. From that fii'st acquaintance I saw him occasiouaUy, but 
did not know him intimately until about the year 1854. After that, I met him fre- 
quently until the time of his assassination. It was not until he was called to lead 
us through the terrible agonies of the civil wai- that I became fully impressed with 
the sterling quahties of the man. Then my respect grew into an affectionate re- 
gard and reverence, such as I had never felt for any other public officer. And, 



174 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

since his violent taking-off, the tender veneration I cherish for his memoiy has, if 
possible, grown deeper as the yesrs have passed away. Entertaining these feel- 
ings, I trust I may be pardoned for any seeming egotism, when I say I esteem it a 
favor to have been invited by the gentlemen having charge of these exercises to 
read a few verses expressing the sincere sympathy of my heart for the character 
and memory of him whose mortal remains are here entombed. 

AT THE TOMB OF LINCOLN. 

Not one of all earth's wise and good 
Hath earned a purer gratitude 
Than the great Soul whose hallowed dust 
This structure holds in sacred trust. 

How fierce the strife that rent the land 
When he was summoned to command ; 
With what wise care he led us through 
The fearful storms that 'round us blew. 

Cakn, patient, hopeful, undismayed, 

He met the angry hosts, arrayed 

For bloody war, and overcame 

Their haughty power in Fi'eedom's name. 

'Mid taunts and doubts, the bondman's cliain, 
With gentle force, he cleft in twain. 
And raised four miUion slaves to be 
The chartered sons of Liberty. 

No debt he owed to wealth or birth ; 
By means of solid, honest worth 
He climbed the topmost height of fame, 
And wrote thereon a spotless name. 

Oh, when the felon hand laid low 
That sacred head, what sudden woe 
Shot to the Nation's farthest bound. 
And every bosom felt the wound. 

Well might the Nation bow in grief 
And weep above the fallen chief. 
Who ever strove, by word and pen. 
For " peace on earth, good will to men." 

The people loved him, for they knew 
Each pulse of his large heart was true 
To them, to Freedom, and the right. 
Unswayed by gain, unawed by might. 

This tomb, by loving hands up-piled, 
To him, the merciful and mild, 
From age to age shall carry down 
The glory of his great renown. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 175 

As the long centuries onward flow, 

As generations come and go, 

"Wide and more wide liis fame shall spread, 

And greener laurels crown his head. 

And when this pile is fall'n to dust, 
Its bronzes crumble into rust, 
Thy name, O, Lincoln ! still shall be 
Eevered and loved, from sea to sea. 

India's swart millions, 'neath their palms, 
Shall sing thy praise in grateful psalms, 
And crowds by Congo's turbid wave, 
Eless the good hand that freed the slave. 

Shine on, Star of Freedom, shine, 
TiU all the realms of earth are thine ; 
And all the tribes, through countless days, 
Shall bask in thy benignant rays. 

Lord of the Nations ! grant us still, 
Another patriot sage, to fill 
The seat of power, and save the State 
From selfish greed. For this we wait. 



April 15. 1883. 



Rev. Eoswell 0. Post, Pastor of the First Congregational 
Church of Springfield, upon being introdncecl, delivered the 
following address on the Lessons of Lincohi's Life. 

It ought to be true that I could speak here on such a day and with such an in- 
spiration without a manuscript, but habit is habit. It is my purpose this afternoon 
to present the life of Abraham Lincoln as one worthy of imitation by all who are 
at that period of life where character is forming. I regard this shaft as the great 
schoolmaster of Springfield, teaching the young living lessons of right, truth and 
God. I deem the duty of this day to be high, holy and consecrated — a debt due 
our comitry, a service due our God. 

A father bequeathing a good name to his family leaves a legacy above price. A 
citizen achieving high honor, upon bidding farewell to the scenes of his labors, 
gives to his country, and niore immediately to his community, the ornament and 
value of his name. Though not accepting the maxim that the history of a nation 
is the biography of her illustrious men — for the greatness of a country is 
mostly measured by the greatness of her people — that man lifted upon the shoulders 
of his countrymen can write highest his own and his nation's name who stands 
the tallest upon the tallest shovilders. A Gladstone, premier of the Zulus, could 
not be the Gladstone of England, nor make the story of Zululand imiuortal among 
the annals of time. While rejecting this aristocratic theory of tlie structure of 
history, I am not blind to the trutli that men exalted to high station, through dele- 
gated greatness, rightly stand above their fellows, and from their mount of privi- 
lege, ever beckon the aspiring youth to chmb up, and thus set the aim for the com- 
ing generation, and largely mould their country's destiny. It is a cause of supreme 
gratification, that standing by this monument, reared by loving hands and shrined 



176 THE LINCOLN GUAED OF HONOR. 

in grateful prayers, we pay homage to one who was as good as great. The influ- 
ence of Abraham Lincoln over the American youth, is not waning ; he typifies to 
them the great possible. How fortunate our land that he bequeathed a name so 
pure, so true, so noble. How happy the heritage into which everj^ child in Spring- 
field is bom — the possession of a patron name free from taint of personal impurity 
and of pubhc corniption ! If he had looked upon the wine when it is red, it is not 
of supposition to say that 1,000 more young men, during the past score of yearS; 
woidd have felt the bite of the serpent and the sting of the adder, so strong for 
good or ill is the force of illustrious example. Or, if through political wiles, he had 
reached the Nation's helm, many, ambitious of public honor, would be seeking 
preferment through craft, rather than tlu-ough the grades of statesmanship. 

The duty of the day is one of pleasure, in that the lustre of name and the love 
of memory shine from the Ufe and twine round the heart of one true as flint to 
the right, and tender as love in its maintenance. Pleasant it is on this day of sad 
memory to recall the virtues, to recount the kind deeds, and to enumerate those 
elements of greatness that have and give and ever shall give to our city its higlicst 
renown. Pleasant to instruct the young, gathered here for a labor of love, in a 
subject so rich in worth, so exalted in station, so dear in your hearts' affection. I 
repeat, that it is a cause of supreme gratitude that the character of Aljraham Lin- 
coln was as good as it was great ; for here on Oak Kidge is the Mecca of the 
Mississippi Valley as Mt. Vemon on the Potomac ; as this shaft rises massive and 
majestic, it tells of one who received the highest honor in the gift of the-proudest 
nation the wide world over and far time back, and toward it turn the eyes of tlie 
coming generation, whose hands shall shortly administer the affairs of the govern- 
ment. Blessed be this country in that those who follow are led along paths of 
righteousness and truth. Young man, whose eyes are fixed on the laurel, hsten to 
the voice of the monument that speaks no uncertain word to-day ; be true to the 
truth, be valient toward the right. Young woman, whose eyes are homes of silent 
prayer, whose heart a temple sacred to purity, hear ye the words, "A sincere life 
rehant upon God can never die." Out from the sad, dark shadows of the past, 
which still hover round and give infinite pathos to this place, comes forth the voice 
of ,instruction to us all ; "I was nothing, save as used in the hands of God to 
accompHsh His own high ends." But this is a day of recollection. Here lies the 
mortal frame of one who not only reached the zenith of power in life, but lives in 
the loving hearts of loyal millions in death. Eare virtues as well as rare abilities 
must have been possessed, to give him such mortalitj^ and immortality. What 
shall we say? Was he more than man? Was the plane of his life above that we 
dare walk upon? Was his divine endowment in nature so wondrously large that 
he is set apart among men, unapproachable, to be revered and not imitated? I 
read not thus his life. I see him greater than his fellows in the proportion that he 
was more perfectly human, and humanly perfect. There is nothing in his hfe to 
disappoint our high ambitions, nothing to quench our holy aspirations, eveiything 
to cheer and encourage the humblest in station, the poorest in advantages, if their 
chariot be hitched to a star. He lives and ever shall Uve in histoiy, because obe- 
dient to its law. "I crown those upon earth who do Heaven's will." Not those 
born to high degree, not those endowed with marvelous minds, but those who are 
co-workers with God in upbuilding mankind, receive the lasting plaudits of earth 
and have their names engrossed upon the tablets of stoiy. The great in station, 
the great in brain, who were little in character, ere now are dead-weights on the 
flight of time, and as she voyages toward the eternal port, they, one by one, are 



THE LINCOLN GUAUU OF HONOR. 177 

cast silently over to sink into the forgetting sea ; while those who have lived for 
the bettering of man, still live, with thi^ lamp of experience making plain the 
chart, the pointings of the compass and the pathway safe and onward. Here we 
may find the secret of Lincoln's immortality. He allied himself to the purpose of 
God in the destiny of the race. His inspiration and his strength lay in this, his 
adopted creed. 

For right is right since God is God, 
And right the day shall win; 

To doubt would be disloyalty, 
To falter would be sin. 

With the march of right down the years, goes the name of Lincoln in most illus- 
trious company, still prinm inter pares. [Chief among equals.] 

To this tomb let the boys and girls of America come, bring garlands of flowers 
and canying away lessons of life. I know of no shrine more worthy of a devotee; 
of no academy of the porch or grove where is taught so simply and so grandly the 
principles of greatness. He M'as a maiiyn- upon his country's altar, but, rather, he 
lives in the embodied quahties of a man than in the ultimate fate of a martyr. 
Strew flowers, glistening with tears, for he, our chief, was stricken down by the 
cruel assassin; but 0! bear away not the flower blooming in death— not the wreath 
twined for burial, but the living imprint of his life— the flower of manliness and 
the wi-eath of honor. Turn the light upon whatsoever side of his character you 
may, and you And him there a man. No man is great to his valet de chambre, said 
Chesterfield. True, when applied to the English coxcomb; false, of the American 
son of the soil. The closer you come to Abrhaam Lincoln, the more you admire. 
How sweet the glances we have preserved for us of his life within the home. I 
see him now on an early morning, after a wearying night of anxiety over the 
armies at bay, seated by a window overlooking the Potomac, an arm around Tad, 
standing by his side, a book open upon his knees - he is reading the oracles of God. 
I see him, as a loyal friend, and hear the familiar address " Jake," as a former mate 
from Sangamon is welcomed Avithin the White House, or he gives you his heart on 
departing for Washington : " My Friends : No one, not in my situation, can ap- 
preciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of 
these people, I owe eveiything. Here I have hved a quarter of a century, and 
have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and 
one is bnried." When, all along his route, ovation followed ovation, I see the beau- 
tiful humiUty of the man, shorn clean of all aiTOgant pride, as he responds in these 
words : " I am unwilling, on any occasion, that I should be so meanly thought of 
as to have it supposed for a moment that these demonstrations are tendered to me 
personally." On the other hand, there never was any touch of Uriah-Heep meek- 
ness, he beUeved in his mission, and beUeved it to be the greatest conferred by the 
Supreme Euler upon any American since the calling of Washington, and in the 
greatness of his work he rose to the conscious fullness of stature. 

Where can we look without beholding his humanity? How fatherly to the ti-avel- 
bewildered girl from Vermont, pleading for the life of her condemned brother ; 
how filial to the mother asking the boon of taking her wounded boy from the liot 
hospital to the mountain home. You know those stories, so fuU of tenderness and 
tears. I need not repeat them ; we have his words, which epitomize his character 
in this respect, "mercy bears richer fruits than sti-ict justice." It has been said 
that he stretched mercy to the point of weakness, that his will was impotent in the 



1 i y THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR, 

presence of grief ; I read not thus bis acts; I see him the man of will incarnate, 
immovable, when set for the preservation of right. A mother often says, of a way- 
ward, stubborn and selfish child, "What a will he has!" when every act indicates 
the absence of will and the presence of caprice. True, Mr. Lincoln had none of 
the willfulness of a spoiled child desiring to have his own way, regardless of an- 
other's rights, wholly selfish to his own whim; but, when a principle was at stake, 
he stood, a Gibraltar — unchanging sentinel of the seas. During the dark hours of 
defeat, when timorous patriots prayed for peace with tears, and noisy Knights of 
the Golden Circle clamored for peace with threats, although every field of battle 
was his Gethsemene, he yielded not; nor when foes, protesting, said, "You pass 
the bounds of constitutional right," and friends besought him not to bring the 
party to defeat, did he falter in sending forth the edict to the brother in black — 
" Ye are free"; to that hour had he come, to that end was he born, that God's will 
might be worked out through him. We often see, as a motto, those golden words 
of his second inaugural, "with malice toward none, with charity for all," omitting 
the still grander words, " with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right." 
Omit these, never! They are the shaft of principle which the others merely adorn 
Surely, my young friends, I can commend to you a will so unswemng from the 
right, so loyal to God. 

But what of Mr. Lincoln's religious behef ? In preparation for this day, I have 
read and re-read his speeches, as they are preserved to us, and anew they have 
awakened amazement in me at the man's supreme trust in God. Distinctly seen 
underlying and sustaining everj;- sentence, is Christian dependence; from the fare- 
well to his neighbors, invoking their prayers, to his last public address, I find 
naught but the spirit of a child sitting at the Master's feet. Said he to Noah 
Brooks: " I should be the most presumptuous blockhead upon this footstool, if I, 
for one day, thought that I could discharge the duties which have come upon me 
since I came into this place, without the aid and enUghtenment of One who is 
stronger and wiser than all others." I do not think that he was a Christian, as we 
use that term, till after the death of Willie; but for long years he had been seeking 
the way of life. In his conversation with Dr. Bateman, in 1860, he acknowledged 
that for years he had thought more upon reUgious truth than upon all other sub- 
jects. The following years led him through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, 
and tried him in the furnace of affliction, heated seven-times hot, till, reaching the 
light beyond the shadow, coming forth purified from the fires, he could say to a 
lady of the Christian Commission: " I hope I am a Christian ; it has been my in- 
tention for some time, at a suitable opportunity, to make a public religious profes- 
sion." 

Such, in rude outline and rough sketch, was the man Lincoln. The man, not 
the son of genius — no abnormal mental endowment did he possess. The man, not 
the child of fortune— no happy lot of birth or favoring circumstances bore him up 
to honor. The man, simple, sincere, genuine ; "sometimes it appeared to me,'» 
said his biographer Hemdon, "that Lincoln's soul was just fresh from the presence 
of its Creator." The elements of his greatness we find to be those which nature 
gives without partiaUty at birth, presei-ved by the man at maturity. Lincoln died 
a very child in guile, and so a very man in honor. Oh, you who are forming charac- 
ter in time for the judgment of eternity, learn the lesson of the monument as it 
speaks to-day. "I preserve the name and the mortal dust of Abraham Lincoln ; 
for he was true to himself, his country and his God ; a true child of earth, sincere 
in purpose as the hillside brook hastening down to gladden the valleys, rich in 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 179 

humanity as the fruitful fi«ilds happy in their bounty, strong in principle as the 
granite rocks holding the hills ; trustful in God as the lofty moinitain forever 
gazing into the heavens, such a man I delight to honor." 

The followino- executive order, with reference to the observ- 
ance of the Sabbath in the army and navy, was read by 
Clinton L. Conkhng, a member of The Lincoln Guard of^ 
Honor: 

Executive Majstsion, Washington, Nov. 16, 1862. — The President, Comman- 
der-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, desu*es and enjoins the orderly observance of 
the Sabbath by the officers and men in the military and naval service. The im- 
portance for man and beast of the prescribed Aveekly rest, the sacred rights Of 
Christian soldiers and sailors, a becoming deference to the best sentiment of a 
Christian people, and a due regard for the Divine will, demand that Sunday labor 
in the army and navy be reduced to the measure of strict necessity. The disci- 
pline and character of the National forces should not suffer, nor the cause they 
defend be imperiled by the profanation of the day or name of the Most High. At 
this time of public distress, adopting the words of Washington in 1776, "Men may 
find enough to do in the service of God and their country without abandoning^ 
themselves to vice and immorahty." The first general order issued by the Father 
of His Country after the Declai'ation of Independence indicates the spirit in which 
our institutions were founded and should ever be defended: "The General hopes 
and trusts that every officer and man will endeavor to live and act as becomes a 
Christian soldier defending the dearest rights and liberties of his country." 

Abraham Lincoln. 

Closing- prayer and benediction bj^ Rev. Geo. E. Scrimger, 
Pastor of the Second Methodist Church, Springfield: 

Lord, Thou art high above all Nations, and Thy glory is above the heavens. 
Thine eyes are upon nations as well as individuals ; and as we come into Thy 
presence this afternoon we are profoundly impressed with the fact that Thou hast 
dealt with no Nation as with ours in the fullness of Thy blessing and the smiles of 
Thy love. But pre-eminent among Thy rich gifts to us as a people Thou hast 
blest us with good and great men whose greatness has been but the intelligent and 
forcible putting forth of their own inherent goodness. We thank Thee for their 
hves. We would cherish their memory and emulate their virtues. And among 
the foremost of these Thou hast given us Abraham Lincoln, and while we gather 
at this tomb in the shadow of a Nation's great loss, we feel that his memory will 
never cease to be one of the rarest ti'(msures of our hearts, to be kept for coming 
generations and to be to all American youth a grand prophecy of possible achieve- 
ment and inspiration to heroic deeds. We thank Thee, God, for his great life, so 
fei-vent in patriotism, so clear-sighted in statesmanship, and so loyal to conscience. 
Grant, O God, that we as a people may ever be true to the sacred trast here im- 
posed. May we, Heavenly Father, not merely commemorate and pay honor ta 
him by enshrining his name in inspiring poems, or rearing to it imperishable shafts- 
of granite around which to speak impassioned words to patriotic auditories, but 
may we still more honor it by living true to the noble example he set of fldelitj^ to 
right and justice. May we keep true to him by wise and just legislation. May 
we keep true to his noble memory by ever guarding sacredly the rights of those he 



180 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

died to free. May we keep inviolate that freedom, and above all may we be true to 
him by remembering that righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to 
any people. 

O God, we pray Thee bless our common country and hasten the glad day when 
we shall no more be called on to mourn for those cut off by war's red hand in the 
noontide of their usefulness, but when universal peace shall invite all lands to 
rivaliy in the achievements of art, science, Uterature and religion, and when nation 
shall no longer lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. 

Hear us in this our prayer. Sanctify these our memorial exercises to the good 
of us all and to the divine glory, and graciously accept of us as a nation and as in- 
dividuals through the riches of grace in Christ Jesus our Lord. And now may the 
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion 
and fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us evermore. Amen. 

The catacomb was then opened and all, not children only, 
but men and women, passed around the sarcophagus and 
dropped flowers and evergreens on it as they went by. 



THE LLNt'ULN GUARD OF HOiN'OR. 181 



DIVISION ELEVENTH 

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FOUR. 



Fifth Annual Meeting— Re-election of Officers— Fifth Memorial Service— Reminis- 
cence of and Poem by Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., Author of "America" 
— ^A remai'kable poem on the Death of Lincoln. 



The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 

Leland Hotel, February 12, 1884. 

TEN o'clock a. M. 
FIFTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

Present — Dana, Power, Lindley, Johnson and Chapin. Ab- 
sent — Reece, Wiggins, McNeill and Conkling. 

President Dana called the meeting to order, and Treasurer 
pro tern, Lindley made the annual report of the finances, 
which showed that the total receipts for the year had been 
129.90. With the exception of |10.00 each contributed by 
the two street railroad companies, the remainder had been 
raised by assessments from the members. All bills w^ere paid, 
leaving $2.25 in the treasury. The secretary reported that 
the note given by The Lincoln Guard of Honor for |200.00 
had been paid, canceled, and was in his possession. 
The following officers were elected for one year: 
G. S. Dana, President, J. N. Reece, Vice-President, J. C. 
Powder, Secretary, J. P. Lindley, Treasurer. 
The following telegram was received. 

San Feancisco, Cal., Febraaiy 12, 1884. 
GuSTAVTJS S. Dana, President of The Lincoln G^iard of Honor: 

Your Cahfomia brethren send you greetings on Ihis anniversary of Abraham 
Lincoln's birthday. Esto Perpetua. (Let it be perpetual.) 

Edwin A. Shekman, 
Commander-in-Chief Lincoln Guard of Honor. 
Washington Ayeb, 

President of Lincoln Association, 



182 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

The telegram did not arrive until the morning of the thir- 
teenth, too late to reply in the same way, and an answer was 
sent by mail on the fourteenth, with kindly greetings. 

Our Fifth Memorial Service. 

A meeting of The Lincoln Guard of Honor w^as held at the 
Leland Hotel, April 7th, to make arrangements for the 
proper observance of the fifteenth of the month. It was de- 
cided to hold the services at the south end of the monument, 
near the entrance to Memorial Hall. Mrs. Dana and Mrs. 
Lindley were authorized to expend a sufficient amouht of 
money for appropriately decorating the catacomb and sar- 
cophagus with flowers. President Dana was commissioned to 
invite the Grand Army of the Republic, Governor's Guard, 
Knights of Pythias and Knigts Templar, to join in the parade 
on Memorial Day. The following was arranged as the 

Pkogeamme of MEMOBiAii Seevices to be held on the Nineteenth Anni- 

VEESAET OF THE D£ATH OE AbKAHAM LINCOLN. 

Services will begin at half past two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, April 15th. 
They will be held at the National Lincoln Monument, under the direction of The 
Lincoln Guard of Honoe. An earnest invitation is extended to all citizens, 
and strangers who may be in the city, to be present and unite in the sendees. 

The miUtary companies and societies paiticipating in the ceremonies will leave 
G. A. R. Hall, corner Fifth and Monroe streets, at half-past one o'clock, and space 
in front of the speaker's stand wiU be reserved for them. Should the weather pre- 
vent the services being held at the monument, they will take place in Representa- 
tives' Hall at the State Capitol, at half-past two o'clock. 

OEDEE OF EXEECISSS. 

Peayee, - By Rev. W. H. Musgrove, Pastor of the First M. E. Church. 

Singing, Under direction of Prof. L. Lehman, "Battle Hymn of theRepubhc." 
Addeess, - - - - By Ex- Governor John M. Palmer. 

Reading, By Miss Annetta Howard, "A Poem on the Death of Lincoln." 

By J. T. Goodman. 
Beading, - - By J. C. Power, "A Speech by Abraham Lincoln." 

Reading, By Mrs. Leha P. Roby, a Poem written for the occasion by Rev. 

Dr. S. F. Smith, author of "America." 
Singing, ------ By the Choir, "America." 

Addeess, . - . . - By Judge J. H. Matheny. 

Beading, By Prof. J. H. Rayhill, "President Lincoln's Remains in the Capitol." 
Singing, .... By the Choir, An Ode, by E. A. Sherman. 

Peayee and Benediction, . - . . By Rev. A. H. BaU, 

Pastor of the First Baptist Cliurch. 



THE LINCOLN GUATiD OF HONOR. 183 

OUR OWN "AMERICA." 

As Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., author of "America," had 
kindl,y written a poem, to be read as part of our service, it 
seemed highly appropriate that the people should be prepared 
to receive it. There cannot be a man, woman or child in our 
country, who has not, some time during the last half century, 
heard the singing of this very patriotic hymn. The writer 
prepared the following article, which appeared in the Illinois 
State Journal, at Springfield, April 14, 1884. The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor thought well enough of it to have it spread 
upon our records, and this will permanently associate it with 
our history. 

To the Editor of the State Journal : 

MEMOEiAi HaxiL, National Lincoln Monujient, April 11.— A few days be- 
fore our Memorial s8i-\'ices last year, I received a letter from a lady friend in Clii- 
cago, the wife of Mr. Edward Roby, informing me that she had been appointed by 
the Abraham Liucohi Post, Grand Army of the EepubUc, to see to the permanent 
beautifying of the soldiers' lot in Oak Woods Cemeteiy, and asking the donation 
of a few plants, after our ha\ang used them at the tomb of Lincoln, in connection 
Avith our Memorial services on the 15th of April. The request was most cheerfully 
complied with. The plants were sent, by direction of Mrs. Roby, to the care of 
Mr. WiUiam Dennisou, superintendent of the cemetery, and on Decoration Day, 
May 30th, they were placed on the soldiers' lot by Abraham Lincoln Post. 

In one of her letters, Mrs. Roby remarked that she was entertaining Rev. Dr. S. 
P. Smith, author of our national hymn, " America," and that, at her request, he 
had written a poem for Decoration Day, and read it as part of the Decoration ser- 
vices. 

Mrs. Roby also told me she had induced Dr. Smith to write for me an entire 
copy of his National hymn, and attach his name, with the date when it was first 
written, 1832, and the then present date, 1882. Accompanying this inestimable 
autograph document, came a photograph hkeness of the author, cabinet size. Both 
picture and document have been placed in dainty frames, and may be seen to-day 
in the care of Mr. C C. Howorth, at Hart's bookstore, and after that in Memorial 
Hall at the Monument. 

This was a revelation to me. If I had given the subject a thouglit, I would have 
supposed that the author was singing in a higher sphere; but these mementoes 
were tangible evidence that he was yet living, and that, after the hymn had been 
sung for half a century around the world, it was still capable, with the tune of 
" God Save the Queen," of stimng the depths of patriotism in the breasts of fifty 
milUons of Americans. I wrote to Mrs. Roby confessing my ignorance of the his- 
tory of the author, and asked to be enlightened, when I received substantially the 
following : 

"Samuel Francis Smith was bom October 21, 1808, in Boston, Mass.; gi-aduated at 
Harvard in 1829, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1832, and tliat year, at 
Andover, wrote " America" and " Morning Light is Breaking," and many others. 
He was pastor of the I'irst Baptist Church at Water^ille, Maine, from l.s31 to 1841; 



184 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

pastor of First Baptist Cliurch at Newton, Mass., from 184:2 to 1854. In the latter 
year he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Ho was editor of the Christian 
Keview from 1842 to 1849 ; editor of the Baptist Missionary Magazine from 1854 to 
1869. He has been a busy minister of the Gospel and literary worlier for more 
than haK a century, and during that time he has, on more than twenty occasions, 
read original poems on anniversaiy days. In 1875-6 he spent one year in Europe. 
In 1880. he. with his wife, visited their son, Eev. D. W. Appleton Smith, D. D., mis- 
sionary at Rangoon, Buimah. They also visited Calcutta and Madras, in India, 
the Telegue country, Ceylon, Malta, Italy, Sicily, France, Germany, Denmarlv, 
Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, Greece, Spain, England, Wales 
and Scotland, returning to the United States in 1882. During all liis travels he 
wi'ote extensive correspondence for the Watchman, of Boston, tlie most influential 
Baptist paper in New England." 

In the fall of 1882, Dr. Smith and his wife came to the Western States, visi ing 
their son at Davenport, Iowa. In January, 1883, they visited another son at Englo- 
wood, lU. They, with that son, visited Mr. and Mi'S. Edward Eoby and other 
friends in Chicago until after Decoration Day, May 30, when they returned to their 
home at Newton Centre, Mass. 

Not the least interesting episode connected with the correspondence is tlie fact 
that, with the mementoes of Dr. Smith, came an autograph of "the great ex- 
pounder of the Constitution." It is an envelope bearing his franlc, " Daniel Web- 
ster, U. S. Senate." It came into the possession of Mrs. Eoby as his kinswoman, 
and, lia^ing other mementoes of liim, she has kindly donated it to me. 

Tlie thouglit came up during his visit to Cliicago that it would be grand to liave 
the author of "America" read an original poem at the tomb of Lincoln. Upon the 
subject being mentioned to liim, he received it favorably, and gave some reason to 
hope that it would be so. Bearing this in mind, I wrote to Dr. Smith, early this 
year, on behalf of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. He replied, as follows : 

"Newton Center, Mass., January 25, 1884. — My Dear Sir: Many thanks for 
your letter dated January 19, and its several inclosed scraps, which gave me infor- 
mation such as I was glad to receive. I am an admirer of that great man, Mr. Lin- 
coln — who could help being so? — and I should gladly, in any way in my power, do 
him honor. I will write a poem in reference to your celebration, which, I under- 
stand from our mutual friend, Mi'S. Eoby, she will read at the Memorial services. 
So far away from you am I, that I can hardly think of taking such a journey in 
April next, and I imagine that, with her efficient presence and aid, I shall hardly 
be missed. I shall look with great interest for an account of your ceremonies. If, 
at any time hereafter, life being spared, I should be at the West at about the period 
of the usual celebration — as I may be — I should not fail to be one of your com- 
pany. Praying that you may long continue to watch over the precious memorials 
and remains to which you are devoting your Ufe, I am, my dear sir, very faithfully 
yours, S. F. Smith." 

The poem is wi"itten and in Mrs. Eoby's possession. She wiU come and read it. 
We will have "America" sung as a part of the exercises at the Monument on Tues- 
day aftei'noon, April 15, the nineteenth anniversary of the death of Lincoln. 

J. C. Power, 
Secretary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 185 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor assembled at the south side 
of the Monument. 

Present — Dana, Power, Lindlej, Wig-gins, Conkling, Chapin 
and Johnson. Absent — Reeee and McNeill. 

The Grand Army of the Republic, including- Prisoners of War 
and Sons of Veterans, the Governor's Guard and Knights of 
Pythias and citizens composed the procession, headed by the 
Watch Factory Band. President Dana was chief marshal of 
the day. That made it necessary for another member of The 
Lincoln Guard of Honor to act as master of ceremonies, 
which was done by Clinton L. Conkling. 

Before the services commenced, the following telegram was 
sent from the Monument: 

E. A. Shekman, Oakland, Cal.: 

As the people assemble at this shrine of pati'iotism, The Lincoln Guard of Honor 
sends greeting to their brethren toward the setting sun ; though the fame of Lin- 
coln never sets, but encircles the eai-th. 

J. C. PowEK, Secretary. 

The following response was read by Mr. Conkling from the 
speaker's platform : 

OAKliAND, CAii., April 15, 1884. — To The Lincoln Guard of Honor, Springfield, 
m.: God bless Abraham Lincohi's memory. Two thousand people are holding 
memorial services here. 

Edwin A. Sherman, 

Lincoln Guard of Honoi. 

Mr. Conkling ascended the platform at exactly half past 
two o'clock and introduced Rev. W. H. Musgrove, who offered 
the opening 

INVOCATION. 

Lord God, the Creator of all things, the Pfesei-ver of all flesh, and the Dis- 
poser of all events, we bow before Thee. The history of the past is before us. As 
individuals, as a people, as a nation, we have cause to praise Thee; Thou hast been 
our defense in the days that are gone; Thou didst deliver us from the hands of our 
enemies a hundred years ago, and later still, when, in order to repress wrong and 
overthrow the giant evil that had been the curse of our land for so many years, 
when blood was to flow freely, and lives were to be sacrificed by the thousands, 
then Thou didst raise up and bring to the front a man with a heart full of sym- 
pathy and withal so wise and stem that he niled justly and guided the ship of 
State safely through its perils and disasters to sure and certain victory. We thank 
Thee that he lived to see the termination of the terrrible stniggle, and to issue the 
Emancipation Proclamation which liberated, from worse than Egyptian bondage, 
4,000,000 of the human race. But a bullet, fired by an assassin's hand, did its fatal 
work. He dies the friend of millions, dies, and the countiy is in mourning — tears 

—12 



18G THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

fall from eyes unused to weep. We are here to-day to remember the sad event. 
As christians we venerate the names of a Luther, a Knox, a Whitefield, a Chalmers, 
a Wesley, we cherish their memories and keep their mantles with care. And as 
men and women, as patriots, as citizens of this great country, we venerate the 
name of Abraham Lincoln, we cherish his memory and would keep his mantle with 
care. This is a sacred spot, this is a memorable hour, the scenes of past years are 
before us, the dust of our earth's greatest and best of men is near us; around us is 
a vast multitude whose hearts are touched — God, let the mantle of our departed 
hero fall upon us; let the blessing of God, in whose presence we believe the spmt 
of our martyred President is to-day, be our heritage. Bless those who constitute 
The Lincohi Guard of Honor, and at whose call we meet to-day. May they, like 
him whom they honor, be true to themselves, true to their countiy, and true to 
God. Bless this vast assemblage of persons, bless the exercises of this hour, keep 
us all by Thy power and bring us at last to reign with Thee forever. 

The choir composed of Mrs. Harry Thayer, Mrs. Samuel 
Grubb, Mrs. Joseph Grout, Mrs. Fred. Smith, Miss Holcomb, 
Miss Lizzie Hopping, Miss Ella Smith, Miss Lou Hibbs, Miss 
Lucy Young, Messrs. Charles Schick, A. Higgins, M. F. Sim- 
mons, Prof. Smith, Charles S. Crowell, Harry Snape, John 
Ruckel, Thomas Bryee and Charles Bobbins, all under the 
direction of Prof. Louis Lehmann, sang that grand patriotic 
emanation from the Supreme Ruler, through the heart and 
brain of Mrs. Julia Ward Howe. 

THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord ; 
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored ; 
He hath loosed the fateful Ughtning of His terrible swift sword ; 
His truth is mai'ching on. 

I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps ; 
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps ; 
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps ; 
His day is marching on. 

I have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel ; 
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal ;" 
Let the hero, bom of woman, crush the serpent with his heel, 
Since God is marching on. 

He has sounded forth his trumpet that shall never call retreat ; 
He is sifting out the heai-ts of men before his judgment seat ; 
Oh, be swift, my soul to answer him! be jubilant my feet! 
Our God is marching on. 

In the beauty of the liUes Christ was born across the sea, 
With a glory in his bosom that ti'ansfigures you and me ; 
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, 
While God is marching on. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 187 

Ex-Governor, and Major-Gen. John M. Palmer, was intro- 
duced and delivered the following: 

GOV. palmer's address. 

I don't know how to commence an address on an occasion like this. The name 
and the fame of the man in whose memory this monument has been erected, needs 
nothing from me. I can say nothing to my fellow-citizens of this city who knew 
him so well, long before he became eminent, that would add anything to their 
knowledge of him. Nineteen years ago this morning — and it looks to me like but 
an hour — I was in command of the department of Kentucky. The war had just 
closed, and I thought that peace was re-established. At four o'clock in the morn- 
ing, a man rapped at my door, I was living in a city that was nominally loyal to 
the Union. It did contain thousands of loyal men and women, but I had under my 
command a number of thousands of troops to preserve order in the State of Ken- 
tucky, at that time. I hai'dly knew who, I hoped and believed that some, were my 
friends, but I knew that some also were my enemies, or at least the enemies of my 
country, which at that time was the same thing. I slept in a room that no man 
could approach except through a narrow hall. On my table there lay a revolver, 
I did not know when I might be called upon to use it in my own defense. I heard 
a rap at my door. I sprang up. I took the pistol from my table and said, "who 
is there?" Some one replied, "I have a message for you through the militaiy tele- 
graph." "What is it," hand it to me, reaching out, however, for the dispatch with 
one hand and holding the cocked pistol with the other. It read, "Last night at 
Pord's Theatre the President was assassinated and the Secretary' of State was also 
assassinated at his own house." I read it, gazed at it a moment, couldn't believe 
it. Assassination had never been one of the crimes of the American people, or of 
our race. If we sought men's lives we sought them openly and manfully. That 
was the sort of life for life that Americans believed in, assassination not an Ameri- 
can vice or an American crime. 

But assassination of the President — the most blameless, the most generous, the 
most forgiving of all the statesmen of the country, a man bom south of the Ohio 
river, who loved his native State as few men can understand — a man who, after the 
war, would be the friend of eveiy man who submitted to the authority of the Gov- 
ernment, a man who had no resentments and no hates, but who simply wished to 
save the Union for the sake of the people of the Union. That he, above aU other 
men, should have been the victim of assassination, I could not understand. If 
Stanton had been assassinated, it would not have seemed so marvelous, for Stanton 
was the representative of the power, the force, and the vengeance of the country — 
a man who waged war because he believed war to be the only means by which the 
authority of the Government could be restored. But Mr. Lincoln was the repre- 
sentative of the generosity, the forgiveness, the nationality of the American 
people, and that he should be selected as the victim of assassination seemed to me 
to be one of those unheard-of things that no man can account for. Tliere I read 
it. It came from ofRcial sources, and I started. I went about three or four hun- 
dred yaixls to where I had soldiers in camp, put them under arms, and ordered the 
artillery horses harnessed and the guns limbered up. I took a couple of soldiers 
with me and went about two miles to a couple of barracks in the neighborhood of 
Louisville, where I had other soldiers, and ordered them also under arms. I tele- 
graphed to all parts of the State; to BowUng Green, Lexington, Frankfort, Camp 



188 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

Nelson, everywhere where we had troops, for I believed then that the assassination 
of Mr. Lincoln was a part of a great scheme among the disloyal, North and South, 
to involve us once more in strife. I ordered troops under arms everywhere. At 
that time I believed the whole country would become involved. North and South, 
and that there would be bloodshed everywhere all over the State of Kentucky. In 
two hours, therefore, we were under arms, artiller\'^ horses were harnessed, and 
guns and men in position. I ordered batteries to take possession of Louisville, 
and to plant themselves where they could sweep the streets, if necessary. ^Vhen 
this was done, I went back to my quarters, and when I got there I found three or 
four thousand people assembled, for the headquatters of the depailment had at- 
tracted eveiybody. But, when I got there, I saw also in the crowd the leading 
rebels — those who opposed the Government. Until I saw their faces, I was at a 
loss; but when I looked around upon the scene before me, I then began to realize 
that there was no insurrection, nor anything of the sort in contemplation. The 
act of violence which had been done was but the act of a single assassin, who 
represented nobody and nothing but the father of all evil, the devil. I then under- 
stood that Mr. Lincoln had fallen a victim to no uprising. There, in front of my 
headquarters, where the flag still floated, stood thousands, I cannot undertake to 
say how many, men, women and children, white and black; they pressed themselves 
upon me, and the leading rebels said, " What shall we do ? This man upon whom 
we had depened to protect us, after the war was over, has fallen; what shall we do? 
Johnson will be President, a Tennessean, full of vengeance." They all dreaded 
him, but had such implicit coufldenee in the charity, purity and forgiveness of Mr. 
Lincoln that they had relied on him for protection after the strife was done. They 
thronged into my quarters — I have no power to describe the scene, it would be 
folly to attempt it. And they said to me: "Will you now, can you, after this 
man has been assassinated, can you save us from your soldiers? Will they not in- 
sist that all of us who have been involved in the rebellion are responsible, and so 
devastate and burn the city ? " " No," I said, " you are my eountiymen," for by 
that time I discovered that nobody was responsible. But throughout that whole 
day in Louisville there was more than a Sabbath stillness. Men and women every- 
where were mourning the loss of Lincohi as if they had lost their dearest friend; 
mothers and wives, as if they had lost sons and husbands; fathers, as if they had 
lost their sole support. Nay, it was deeper than a Sabbath stillness, it was the 
stillness of a universal sorrow. Everybody, Union men and Union women and 
rebels, all together, mourned for one they felt was their best and most generous 
friend. In a little while after that, my police began to bring in persons chai'ged 
with sa^'ing that they thanked God Lincoln was killed; and I remember one that 
they brought in was a woman whom I knew, and they told me she had said she 
was glad that Lincoln was killed, and the woman came before me in a spirit as if 
ready to flght it out. I simply said to her: " My dear madam, you have said 
something so much more wicked than I can imagine any woman could say, that 
you may go home — if you can bear it, I can." She burst into tears and she said: 
" I did say it, but God knows if I could give my own life to bring this man back to 
this count rj% I would do it." 

Nineteen years ago to-day all this transpired. Think of it. On that day I issued 
an order, not altogether inspired by my confidence, but in a great measure dictated 
by my hopes. I issued a general order, to be circulated throughout the State, say- 
ing, notwithstanding the death of Mr. Lincoln, as great as he was, no man is so 
great that his death can disturb the progress of this country toward peace, pros- 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



189 



perity and fraternal union. I said to the people: " Go back to your employments, 
mourn over the loss of this great man, but remember that even death cannot check 
the tide of union and progress in this grand country of om-s." And, my friends, 
standing here to-day, nineteen years after that sad event, reflect what this country 
is, and think also, while we can raise monuments that perish, and can cherish fitly 
the memoiy of this great and noble man, yet no single man is essential to the 
prosperity of this country. We build monuments and cherish the names of those 
who have done great sei-vice for the Republic, but time moves on, time builds up 
and time destroys. This monument, built here to the memory of this great man, 
wliom we knew in his lifetime and revered so much, will crumble away, but we 
may believe that the Nation, for which he gave his life and to which he consecrated 
hisbest service, for which he was raised up as the Almighty raised up Moses for 
the dehverance of His favored people, though these stones perish, this Nation, with 
its intelligent, noble people, will live on after all such monuments are gone forever. 
The lesson of to-day, then, is this: As that man dedicated himself to his country, 
as that man died for his country, so should each one here. While nineteen years 
seem nothing to youth, it changes the vigorous, athletic soldier into the grey- 
haired old man. Time is doing its work. The lesson of to-day is that each one 
of you, men and women, forgetting the prejudices and passions that have controlled 
the past shall this dav dedicate your best thoughts, your most earnest purposes, 
to the welfare of your countiy. Think of your responsibilities ! This is the 
only country in the world that we know anything about, the government of which 
is devolved upon each man and woman within its ten-itory, and the responsibilities 
of every man and woman in the land are exactly alike, black and white. With 
these magnificent interests and this great destiny, the lesson of the day is that, 
as Lincoln and not only as Lincoln, but as the thousands of soldiers who took part 
in the struggle which preceded his death-for on the night before his death the 
bells were ringing all over the land because the flag had been restored to Sumter, 
the authority of the Government re-estabUshed-as on that night he died for his 
country so ought you, each one, feel bound to dedicate yourself to-day to its ser- 
vice-not to the service of party, not to the ser^'ice of mere personal interest, 
not to the service of prejudice, but unremittingly, each man and woman, this day, 
in this presence, with these memories around you, dedicate yourselves anew to 
this country whose government Divine Providence has deposited in your hands. 
Ladies and gentlemen, I have said all I can. The memories of the past crowd 
upon me. Nineteen years are gone. The country is making its history, and you 
and I— you and not I, for my work is substantially done— you, and not I, are re- 
sponsible to God and your country for the futm-e. 

It is not surprising tliat the death of Lincohi should have 
stirred the poetic spirit in heart and brain, wherever it slum- 
bered in our broad land, whether in palace or hovel; but of 
all places a mining camp would seem to have been the most 
unpropitious for the muse. Virginia City, Nevada, was one 
of the wildest and wickedest of those camps. May 4, 1865, 
while the heart of the nation was drawn towards Oak Ridge 
Cemetery at Springfield, lUinois, and the true and tried from' 
all parts of the country were assembled around the receivnig 



190 THE LINCOLN GUARD OP HONOR. 

tomb, trying if possible to hear the words of the distinguished 
divine, Bishop Simpson of the M. E. Church, Avho was deliver- 
ing the funeral oration, the miners in that far away camp 
were holding a funeral service also. A young man wrote and 
read a poem on that occasion. He was the editor of the 
Territorial Enterprise. The reading of it created intense 
enthusiasm in camp, and the author, T. J. Goodman, pub- 
lished it in his paper. That for a long time seems to have 
been the last of it, probably because it was overshadowed by 
so much other matter on the same subject. One young man 
in camp at the time, was so impressed with the poem that 
he memorized it. Eighteen years after, in the summer of 
1883, that young man, Mr. Alfred H. Nelson, a lawyer, be- 
came the host of Miss Frances E. Willard, at his residence in 
Ogden, Utah, while she was on a tour as a temperance 
evangelist, to the Pacific States. Mr. Nelson incidentally 
recited part of a poem about Lincoln in her presence. She 
expressed her admiration for it and requested a copy. Mr. 
Nelson had retained it all those years in his memory only, 
and could not at once comply with her request, but after she 
had gone, he made a copy and sent it to her at Evanston, 
Illinois. Miss Willard sent it to Mrs. George Clinton Smith, 
of this city, wdth instructions to have it published in the 
Springfield papers, with its history, and to deposit the origi- 
nal copy in the archives of the National liiucoln Monument. 
Mrs. vSmitli placed it in the hands of the writer of this sketch, 
who prepared a copy, and it was first published in the Illinois 
State Journal, Sept. 26, 1883. Miss Willard's criticism of the 
poem is that, "Barring a few limping poetic feet, easily cured, 
it is, in conception, imagery, and bold, lofty flight, worthy to 
live beside the best that has been written about our Illinois 
and the world's brotherly hero." 

Prolonged efforts were made to get a printed copy into the 
hands of the author, in order to obtain his corrections and 
the stamp of his approval, but failed. He was then in San 
Francisco. IVIiss Willard made some corrections, but not as 
much as she would have done with more time. It is hoped 
that it will not again come so near being lost. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 191 

]\Iiss Annetta Howard, of Springfield, was introduced and 
read, impressively and artistically, tlie poem on 

THE DEATH OF LINCOLN. 

BY T. J. GOODMAN. 

A nation lay at rest. The mighty storm 

That threatened tlieir good sliip with direful harm 

Had spent its fury ; and the tired and worn 

SanJi in sweet slumber, as the Spring time morn 

Dawned witli a promise that the strife should cease ; 

And war's grim face smiled in a dream of peace. 

! doubly sweet the sleep when tranquil light 
Breaks on the dangers of the fearful night, 
And, full of trust, we seek the dreamy realm, 
Conscious a faithfvil pilot holds the helm, 
Whose steady purpose and untiring hand, 
With God's good grace, will bring us safe to land. 
And so the Nation rested, worn and weak 
From long exei'tion: — 

O God ! What a shriek 
Was that which pierced to farthest earth and sky, 
As though all Nature uttered a death ciy ! 
Awake ! Arouse ! ye sleeping warders, ho ! 
Be sure this augiu's some colossal woe ; 
Some dire calamity has passed o'erhead — 
A world is shattered or a god is dead ! 

What, all the globe unchanged ! The sky still flecked 
With stars? Time is? The universe not wrecked? 
Then look ye to the pillars of the State ! 
How fares it with the Nation's good and great? 
Since that wild shriek told no unnatural birth. 
Some mighty Soul has shaken hands with earth. 

Lo ! murder hath been done. Its purpose foul 
Hath stained the marble of the Capitol 
Where sat one yesterday without a peer ; 
Still rests he peerless — but upon his bier, 
Ah, faithful heart, so silent now — alack ! 
And did the Nation fondly call thee back. 
And hail thee truest, bravest of the land, 
To bare thy breast to the assassin's hand? 

And yet we know if that extinguished voice 
Could be rekindled and pronounce its choice 
Between this awful fate of thine, and one — 
Retreat from what thou didst or wouldst have done 
In thine own sense of duty, it would choose 
This loss — the least a noble soul could lose. 



y 



192 THE LINCOLN GUARD OP HONOR. 

There is a time when tlie assassin's knife 
Kills not, but stabs into eternal Ufe ; 
And this was such an one. Thy homely name 
Was wed to that of Freedom, and thy fame 
Hung rich and clustering in its lusty prime ; 
The God of Heroes saw the harvest time, 
And smote the noble structure at the root, 
That it might bear no less immoi-tal fruit. 

Sleep ! honored by the Nation and mankind ! 
Thy name in Histoiy's brightest page is shrined, 
Adorned by virtues only, shall exist 
Bright and adored on Freedom's mai-tyr list. 

The time wiU come when on the Alps shall dwell 
No memory of their own immortal Tell ; 
Kome shall forget her Ctesars, and decay 
Waste the Eternal City's life away ; 
And in the lapse of countless ages. Fame 
Shall one by one forget each cherished name : 
But thine shall hve through time, until there be 
No soul on earth but glories to be fi'ee. 

Mr. J. C. Power, secretary of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 
then read a speech delivered by President Lincoln under 
rather peculiar circumstances. The causes which lead to the 
brief though pointed address are as follows: 

On Thursday, December 1, 1864, two ladies from Tennessee 
appeared before President Lincoln, asking- the release of their 
husbands who w^ere held as prisoners of war, on Johnson's 
Island. They were put off until Friday and again until Sat- 
urday, when the President ordered the men released. At each 
of the interviews, one of the ladies was very urgent in pre- 
senting her case, telling Mr. Lincoln with all the impressive- 
ness she could command, that her husband was a "religious 
man." After the prisoners were released, Mr. Lincoln de- 
livered what he afterwards said was the shortest and best 
speech he ever made, and shows that his ability to puncture 
shams was never excelled. Addressing the lady he said: 

Madam: — You say your husband is a religious man. teU him when you meet 
him, that I say I am not much of a judge of religion, but that, in my opinion, the 
religion that sets men to rebel and fight against their Government, because, as 
they think, that Government does not sufficiently help some men to eat their bread 
in the sweat of other men's faces, is not the sort of religion upon wMch people 
can get to Heaven. 

Mrs. Lelia P. Roby of Chicago, on being introduced, read 
by proxy,— the proxy being her husband, Hon. Edward Roby 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 193 

—a poem on the life and death of Lincoln, written for the 
occasion by the author of our National hymn ''America," by 
the venerable and Rev. Samuel Francis Smith, D. D., of Newton 
Centre, Massachusetts. 

Grandeur and gloiy wait around the bed, 
Where sleeps in lowly peace the illustrious dead ; 
He rose a meteor, upon wondering men, 
But rose in strength, never to set again. 
A king of men, though born in lowly state, 
A man sincerely good and nobly great ; 
Tender, but firm ; faithful and kind, and true, 
The Nation's choice, the Nation's Savior, too ; 
Schooled through Hfe's early hardships to endure, 
To raise the oppressed, to save and shield the poor; 
Pinident in counsel, honest in debate, 
Patient to hear and judge, patient to wait ; 
The calm, the wise, the witty and the proved, 
Whom millions honored, and whom millions loved ; 
Swayed by no baleful lust of pride or power. 
The shining pageants of the passing hour, 
Led by no scheming arts, no selfish aim, 
Ambitious for no pomp, nor wealth, nor fame, 
No planning hypocrite, no pliant tool, 
A high-born patriot, of Heaven's noblest school ; 
Cool and unshaken in the maddest storm, 
For in the clouds he traced the Almighty's form ; 
Worn with the weary heart and aching head, 
Worse than the picket, with his ceaseless tread. 
He kept— as bound by some resistless fate — 
His broad, strong hand upon the helm of State ; 
Nor tui-ned, in fear, his heart or hope away, 
Till on the field his tent a ruin lay. 
The tent, a ruin ; but the owner's name 
Stands on the pinnacle of human fame. 
Inscribed in fines of fight, and nations see. 
Through him, the people's fife and fiberty. 

What high ideas, what noble acts he taught! 
To make men free in file, and limb, and thought, 
To rise, to soar, to scorn the oppressor's rod, 
To live in grander fife, to five for God ; 
To stand for justice, freedom and the right. 
To dare the conflict, strong in God's own might; 
The methods taught by Him, by him were tried, 
And he to conscience true a martyr died. 

As the great sun pursues his heavenly way, 
And fiUs with liglit and joy the livelong day, 
Till, the full journey, in gloiy dressed, 
He seeks his crimson couch beneath the west ; 



194 THE LINCOT^N GUARD OF HONOR. 

So, with his labor done, our hero sleeps ; 
Above his tomb a ransomed Nation weeps ; 
And grateful peans o'er his ashes rise — 
Dear is his fame — ^his gloiy never dies. 

Bring flowers, fresh flowers ; bring plumes with nodding crests, 

To wreath the tomb where our great hero rests ; 

Bring pipe and tabret, eloquence and song, 

And sound the loving tribute, loud and long ; 

A Nation bows, and mourns his honored name, 

A Nation proudly keeps his deathless fame ; 

Let vale and rock, and hill, and land, and sea, 

His memory swell — tlie anthem of the free. 

The choir then sang that old, but ever new, hymn by the 
same author. 

AMERICA. 
By Kev. S. F. Smith, D. D. 

My country 'tis of thee, 
Sweet land of liberty. 

Of thee we sing ; 
Land where my fathers died ; 
Land of the pilgrim's pride, ' 
From every mountain side 

Let freedom ring. 

My native country, thee. 
Land of the noble free, 

Thy name I love. 
I love tliy rocks and rills. 
Thy woods and templed hills, 
My heairt with rapture thrills, 

Like that above. 

Let music swell the breeze. 
And ring from all the ti'ees 

Sweet freedom's song 
Let mortal tongues awake, 
Let all that breathe pai'take, 
Let rocks their silence break. 

The sound prolong. 

Our fathers God — to Thee, 
Author of Liberty, 

To Thee we sing ; 
Long may our land be bright 
"With freedom's holy light — 
Protect us by thy might, 

Great God our king, 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 195 

Men who knew Lincoln well, when they come to deliver a 
public address about him find in it a great temptation to be 
garrulous. Here is a man who knew Lincoln almost as in- 
timately as though they had been brothers. He could talk 
a month about him from personal knowledge and not re- 
peat himself, and yet he gives us here in the smallest space, 
a true and complete delineation of the character of his hero. 
It is a perfect gem, both in eloquence and brevity. 

Address by Judge James H. Matheny, of Springfield. 

It is a grand thing to have ever Uved. It is still a grander thing to have so Uved, 
that our names grow brighter and brighter and our memory more fondly cher- 
ished, as the years roU on apace and number themselves with the shadowy past. 
Of all the countless millions, who have lived, moved and acted their parts in the 
wonderous drama of human life, how very few have inscribed their names, in im- 
perishable characters upon the record of time, — many thousands blazed out for a 
brief moment, as stars of the first magnitude, in the constellation of earthly great- 
ness but soon faded away into their original nothingness. 

Call the roll of the truly great, those who left the world better than they found 
it, and the responses will be "few and far between." Upon that roll, no grander 
name can be found, than Abraham Lincoln. He is one of the 

"Few immortal names, tliat were not born to die." 

He filled to its utmost capacity the measure of human greatness. He rose with 
every occasion, however trjang, and was more than equal to every emergency. In 
the midst of the awiul storm that dai'kened around him, he developed characteris- 
tics wholly unexpected, until even life-long friends gazed upon him in utter be- 
wilderment and his bitterest foe bowed before an inexphcable mystery. 

The most remarkable of the many admirable characteristics of Abraham Lincoln 
was his wonderful calmness in every emergency. When the storm of war was 
upon us in all its maddened fury, others of our great men j'ielded to the passions 
incident to human nature and stained the bright escutcheon of our National glory 
with acts, over which we had better throw the broad mantle of forgetfulness. Not 
so with Abraham Lincoln, amid it all he stood calm and unmoved, however wild 
the storm, however black the cloud, however rayless the night, with a firmness 
born of an unyielding patriotism, an unwavering faith in the triumph of the right, 
with a courage, God-like in its grandeur, he braved the storm, he rose above the 
cloud. He saw the stars still shining beyond the night, and although clothed with 
almost hmitless power was still the calm, unpassioned Patriot, never forgetting for 
a moment, the one great purpose of his soul, the salvation and pei-petuity of the 
National Union, upon the broad basis of universal liberty. To the reahzation of 
this one great hope, every other impulse was made subsei*vient. On he moved to 
the fulfillment of this great end, undetered by assailing foes, undisturbed by the 
clamor of complaining friends. Search all history and you will scarcely find a 
parallel to Abraham Lincoln. Never once, through all the trying scenes of many 
years of civil war, was he guilty of a single act of inhumanity or oppression. He 
seemed to move in a plane far above the frailties of common humanity. W^hen 
the fearful conflict was nearing its close — when the cloud was breaking awav — 



196 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. ' 

when the dawning of morn was scattering the shadows of night, he stood in front 
of the National Capitol, in the presence of the assembled people, and with words 
characteristic of him who said: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what 
they do," he closed the a\^'ful drama of war with the Godlike sentiment of "malice 
toward none but charity for all." 

Mr. J. H. Rayhill, Professor of Elocution in the Young 
Ladies Atheneum, and Illinois College, both at Jacksonville, 
was next introduced and read 

PRESIDENT Lincoln's remains at the capitol. 

Gaze and pass on ! 
Ye who but yesterday shared his fond greeting, 
Solemnly gather at this the last meeting. 
Look once more on the care-fuiTowed brow 
Stamped by the seal of eternity now ! 

Gaze and pass on ! 

Life is not there ! 
Think not to catch the old echoes of cheer, 
List not the step ye shall never more hear, 
Seek not the smile from the lips chill and wan, 
All of him earthly is faded and gone. 

Life is not there ! 

All is not dead ! 
Still in your midst the best lingers to-day, 
Of the loved and departed untouched by decay. 
The virtues he cherished yet live, and will last . 
"When the scenes of the present are lost in the past. 

All is not dead ! 

Undaunted he fell ! 
Not in the winter of age, bending low. 
Wasted and worn in the simimer's warm glow ; 
Strong in his manhood, hope gilding his sky. 
In the pathway of duty he sank down to die. 

Undaunted he fell ! 

Chant the sad dirge ! 
Ere he goes forth to his earthly rest. 
Sing 'round his coffin the songs of the blest ; 
'Mid silence and sadness the sweet strains will rise 
Like flowers bearing incense to him in the skies. 

Chant the sad dirge ! 

Pause now and weep ! 
Weep for the President lost to our sight ; 
Nobly he toiled for us— gave of his might. 
Ye may search for his like as long as years circle round, 
But a loftier spirit will never be found. 

Pause now and weep .' 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 19T 

Bear him awaj' ! 
A Fatherly Ruler is laid on the bier ; 
Slowly, for thought groweth weary and drear, 
Sadly, with measured funeral tread, 
Soldiers and citizens, on with the dead. 

Bear him away ! 

Christian, farewell ! 
As ready for death, as true in thy life, 
No danger appalled in fratricidal strife ; 
With tears we commit the dear form to the sod, 
The dust to the earth, the spirit to God. 

Christian, farewell ! 

The choir then sang the following ode, by Edwin A. Sher- 
man, of Oakland, California. It is being sung at the nineteenth 
anniversary services, to-day, in Oakland and San Francisco, 
along the valleys of the Sacramento and Columbia Rivers, in 
Melbourne, Australia, the Sandwich Islands and other places. 

I. 

Martyr Spirit, from the skies, 
Hear our requiem arise. 
Listen to our sorrow-song. 
While we mourn thy awful \¥rong ; 
Thou "the noblest work of God," 
Pouring out thy precious blood 
On the altar of thj^ love. 
While thy spirit soared above. 

II. 
Lincoln, Savior of our Land, 
Guiding by thy faithful hand. 
Thou didst lead us safely through 
Crimson seas of blood and woe ; 
Broke the chains of slavery, 
Gave the bondman liberty. 
Made the Union strong and great. 
Bringing back each erring State. 

III. 
When the song of victory 
Tor the Union and "Glory," 
Bose from mountain, hill and plain, 
Murder laid thee 'mong the slain. 
Hushed were then triumphant cheers, 
Hearts did bleed while flowed our tears. 
Cries of "Vengeance ! oh our God !" 
Fiercely rose from Freedom's sod. 



198 THE LINCOLN GUAIID OF HONOR. 

IT. 

"Vengeance mine ! I will repay !" 
J^'Keep thou this Atonement T)ay !" 

Yes! we'll keep it while the sun 

Year to year his course doth run ; 

While our heroes bear their scars ; 

Floats our Stripes and gleams our Stars, 

In our Martyred Chieftain's Name 

We'll renew our altar-flame. 

Eev. A. H. Ball, pastor of the First Baptist Chiircli, Spring- 
field, closed the services with the benediction: 

May the Lord grant His blessings on these tributes of respect that we bring to 
that just and true man — His gift to earth. And may we be dismissed now to our 
homes, with an added love for our country and for humanity, in the name of Christ. 
Amen. 

Gen. Joseph Stockton, on behalf the Lincoln Park Commis- 
sioners, of Chicago, presented the beautiful basket and floral 
cornucopias. It was designed by Mr. DeFrey, the gardener 
of Lincoln Park. The South Park, Chicago, through John 
E. Walsh, its president, presented the circle of flowers, with 
star in the center containing the initial letter "L," together 
wdth the ferns and palms. Mr. Frederick Kanst was the de- 
signer of this floral offering. 

It being the desire of those contributing these beautiful 
flowers that they should be placed around the statue of Lin- 
coln in the State Capitol, notice was accordingly given 

' through the papers to that effect, and large numbers of citi- 
zens visited them there in the forenoon of Tuesday. At one 

, o'clock they were taken to the Monument and placed on and 
around the sarcophagus, where they will remain as long as 
they retain their beauty. 

The Lincold Guard of Honor take this method of express- 
ing their thanks to all who contributed to this memorial ser- 
vice. To Mr. and Mrs. Koby, through whose devotion to the 
memory of our Martyr-President we are indebted for the floral 
display, we despair of finding words to express the obliga- 
tions we feel. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 199 



DIVISION TWELFTH, 

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-FIVE.. 



Sixth Annual Meeting of Tiie Lincoln Guard of Honor, and Election of Officers- 
Sixth Memorial Service, in which the Post of Honor is yielded to the German 
Turners and German Singing Societies— Appeal to the Citizens of Spring- 
field, and their Liberal Eesponse— Rain interferes with the Services. 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 

Leland Hotel, 

Office of Our Vice-President, Gen. Reece, 

Thursday, Feb. 12, 1885, 7:30 p. m. 

SIXTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

Present— Dana, Reece, Power, Lindlej, Cliapin and Johnson. 

Absent— McNeill, Wiggins and Conkling. 

President Dana assumed the chair, and called for the read- 
ing of the minutes. 

The Secretary read the minutes of the last annual and in- 
tervening meetings, and all were approved. 

Treasurer made annual report, which was approved and 
ordered to be spread upon the record. The receipts had been 
fifteen dollars each from the two street railroads. That, with 
the small balance on hand, making a total of |33.75, had 
been sufficient to pay all expenses and leave a balance of 
15.05. There was a much larger expenditure for flowers by 
citizens of Chicago, but that did not come into our accounts. 

The election of officers resulted in the re-election of the 
old board, each upon separate baUots: 

G. S. Dana, President. 

J. N. Reece, Vice-President. 

J. C. Power, Secretary. 

J. P. Lindley, Treasurer. 

Adjourned, to meet at the call of the President. 



200 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

OUR SIXTH LINCOLN MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

In December, 1884, correspondence between some German- 
American citizens in St. Louis and in Springfield developed 
the fact that the Turners and German singing societies of 
St. Louis were desirous of holding a service of song and ora- 
tory at the Tomb of Lincoln on the twentieth anniversary 
of his death. A public meeting was called in Springfield for 
the evening of December 16, for the purpose of ascertaining 
if the people generally would take an interest in the matter. 

Gen. J. N. Reece, the Vice-President of The Lincoln Guard 
of Honor, was elected chairman of that meeting, and the Sec- 
retary of the L. G. of H., J. C. Power, was chosen one of the 
secretaries, with Wm. L. Gardner as a representative of the 
Turners and singing societies. The members of The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor, by common consent, agreed to forego, for 
the coming anniversary, their own distinctive service, and 
join with the singing societies and Turners in observing Lin- 
coln Memorial Day. Gen. Reece was continued chairman of 
the Citizens' Committee of Arrangements, into which the meet- 
ing resolved itself that evening, and was subsequently elected 
president of the day for the Anniversary. 

Invitations were sent out from St. Louis to nearly all the 
German singing and Turner societies in the United States, 
asking- them to meet at the Tomb of Lincoln on the fifteenth 
of April, being the Twentieth Anniversary of his Death, there 
to pay their respects to his memory. As the time approached, 
the indications were that there would be from eight hundred 
to one thousand voices join in the singing, and that the 
assemblage would number many thousands. When it became 
evident that there would be an unusually large number of 
visitors, the Citizens' Committee appointed a special commit- 
tee of four, consisting of two members of The lincoln Guard 
of Honor and two other citizens, to prepare an address to 
the people of Springfield, urging them to give a suitable re- 
ception to the expected visitors. Following is the 

APPEAL TO THE CITIZENS OF SPRINGFIELD. 

It is known to you all that for five successive returns of that anniversary, The 
Lincoln Guard of Honor has, with but Little outside help, except at the last one, 
when they received valuable assistance from citizens of Chicago, inaugurated and 
conducted these beautiful services with increasing interest to the people of Spring- 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR, 201 

field and strangers who at the time happened to sojourn here. This year they 
had determined to make the services more simple and less expensive than ever 
before, but a new element has voluntarily entered into it. 

It is a pai"t of undoubted histoiy that, when armed treason assailed our Govern- 
ment in April, 1861, the German-American citizens of St. Louis were found to be 
loyal to the Government under whose wing they had sought shelter as an asylum 
for the oppressed cf all lands. And while the great mass of the native born citi- 
zens, among whom they lived, were plotting with its enemies, or taking up arms> 
for its destruction, the German Turaers and Singers went almost en masse before 
the proper officers and were sworn into the service of the United States Govern-^ 
ment as Union soldiers. 

This patriotic and prompt action by the Germans and a small number of Ameri- 
cans, on the border line between freedom and slavery, rescued a large quantity of 
muskets and other arms stored in the United States arsenal in St. Louis, by load- 
ing them on steamboats in the night time and running to a place of safety on the 
Illinois side of the river. They also either dispersed or captured a large nmnber 
of insurgents in Camp Jackson, on the outskirts of the city, thus moving the line 
between Secession and Union farther south, and early in the war saved Missouri 
to the Union. As part of the great Union aimy, these Germans did their full 
share, leaving their dead comrades on almost every battle field in the south and 
west. At the end of four years' war, with all opposing forces dispersed, with 
slavery abolished, the Union of the States restored, and, on the other hand, the 
head of the Government slain by treason in its dying throes, those of the Germans 
who sun'ived the struggle, retm'ned battle-scarred and otherwise injured in health, 
and with mingled feeUngs of gladness and sorrow— gladness that there was no 
longer an armed foe, and son-ow for the loss of their great leader — resumed their 
former peaceful avocations and industrial pursuits. 

After a score of years engaged in restoring the waste of war, in adding com- 
forts to, and beautifying their homes, and seeing the coffers of the nation they 
love, changed from a condition of total collapse at the beginning to one that may 
be likened to that of the husbandman who is under the necessity of tearing down 
his bams and building greater, because we have the best and most abundant cur- 
rency of any nation on the globe; the survivors among these same German 
Turners and Singers of St. Louis, consult among themselves and determine that, 
on the twentieth anniversary of his maiiyrdom, they will visit the mausoleum of 
their great Commander-in-Chief, imder whose wise and pati'iotic administration 
such beneficent and far reaching results were achieved, and in oratory and song 
express their love and veneration for his memoiy. They have invited their 
brethren in other cities to meet them here, and they are coming, citizens of 
Springfield, whether you welcome them or not. They are coming from St. Louis. 
They are coming from Chicago. They are coming from Cincinnati. From In- 
dianapolis. From Milwaukee. From Davenport, and from many smaller to^^^ls 
and cities. 

They have marched into hostile cities and been received in sullen silence. Shall 
their advent here remind them of that? We would all feel degraded if it were so. 
The welcome that will gladden their hearts will be to see the Monument appro- 
priately decorated, and a proper degree of interest manifested by our citizens on 
the occasion. These things can not be done without some money. It will re- 
quire about $1,000. If you are wilUng to contribute to extend such a welcome, 

—13 



202 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

hand your offering to any one of the finance committee, or receive them cordially 
when they call for your contributions. A small amount from each citizen would 
give us ample funds, and we can make it an occasion that will be remembered with 
pleasure by eveiy visitor and citizen. 

It should be understood that the expenses for the observance of the day are 
borne by the gentlemen who are the originators of the movement. We simply ask 
the citizens of Springfield for their assistance to properly receive our expected 
guests and to decorate worthy of the occasion. F. Gehking, 

H. S. Welton, 
J. C. Power, 
J. N. Eeece. 
March, 1885. 

The following is the programme agreed upon by correspon- 
dence between the St. Louis and Springfield committees. 

1865—1885. 

Obsekvance of the Twentieth Anniversaky of the Death of 

Abraham LiNCOiiN, 

Under the auspices of the 

GEB5IAN Turners, St. Louis District. 

The Lincohi Guard of Honor for this day yield the Post of Honor to their 
St. Louis Visitors. 

Wednesday, April 15th, 1885, 
At the National Lincoln Monument. 

PROGRAMME— OEDEE OF PEOCESSION. 

The procession will form at the Court House Square, and will move at 1 o'clock 
P. M. sharp. "^ 

Grand Marshal— Major- General A. J. Smith. 

First Assistant Grand Marshal— Gen. John A. McClernand. 

First Assistant Chief Aid-de- Camp— Major Eugene F. Weigel. 

assistant marshals. 

Gen. D. P. Grier, Captain J. C. Irving, Gen. D. C. Coleman, 

Capt. W. C. Knispel, Gen. W. C. Kueffner, Hon. John Mayo Palmer, 

Col. Chas. G. Stifel, Hon. J. E. Hill, Col. David Mui-phy, 

Porter Yates, Col. Edward Eutz, Dr. Chas. Eyan, 

John Cook, Jr. Major Otto Lademann, Maj. Bluford Wilson, 

Jacob Bunn, Jr. Captain W. F. Smith, Statins Kehrmann. 

In Carriages: Hon. E. J. Oglesby, Govenior of Illinois, and State Officers; 
Members of the National Lincoln Monument Association , Members of The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor ; Members of the General Assembly ; Speakers and Executive 
Committee. 

FIRST division. 

General J. W. Vance, Commanding, and Staff. 

Band of Music. 

Detachments of Illinois and Missouri National Guards. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 203 

SECOND DIVISION. 

General John W. Noble, Commanding, and Staff. 

Band of Music. • 

First Brigade, G. A. R. of Illinois, General W. W. Berry, Marshal. 

Second Brigade, G. A. R. of Missouri and other States, Gen. Nelson Cole, Mai'shal. 

THIRD DIVISION. 

Loiiis Nettelhorst, Marshal, and Staff. 

In Carriages — Fxeoutive Officers of the North American Turner Bund. 

Memorial Tablet on Decorated Wagon, on each side of the Escort of Honor. 

Turner Veterans of 1861. First Eeg't Mo. Vol., Co's A, B and C. 

Turners from all parts of country, as District Representatives. 

Band of Music. 

1. Turner Societies from about 40 cities. 

2. Singing Societies from about 20 cities. 

FOUETH DIVISION. 

Colonel H. S. Welton, Marshal, and Staff. 

Band of Music. 

First Brigade— Ex- Prisoners of War, Col. L. D. Rosette, Commanding. 

Second Brigade— Sons of Veterans, IlUnois and Missouri, Colonel E. V. Mallory. 

FIFTH DIVISION. 

Lieut.-Gov. J. C. Smith, Marshal, and Staff. 

Band of Music. 

National Americans, Lodges, Benevolent Societies and German Societies. 

SIXTH DIVISION. 

W. L. Gardner, Marshall and Staff. 

Band of Music. 

Fire Companies, and Citizens in Carnages. 

The Memorial services will begin at 2 o'clock p. m., at the National Lincoln 

Monument, under the direction of Gen. J. N. Reece, Vice President of The Lincoln 

Guard of Honor, Master of Ceremonies, assisted by Major G. S. Dana, President 

of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. 

Okdeb of Exercises. 

PRAYER, 

By Rev. Francis Springer, D. D., Chaplain of Stephenson Post, No. 30, G. A. E., 

Springfield. 

1. Music, . . . - Knight Templar Band, St. Louis. 

2. Welcome Address, - - By Governor R. J. Oglesby, of Illinois. 

3. Singing, " Memorial Song," .... Grand Chorus. 

4. Oration, in English, ... Hon. J. C. Conkling, Springfield. 

5. Singing, " Lincoln Hymn," .... Grand Choiais. 

[Written expressly for this occasion by E. A. Zuendt.] 
Music by Prof. Oscar Schmoll. 

6. Oration in German, - - By Dr. H. M. Starkloff, of St. Louis. 

7. Dedication of the Memorial Tablet, - By the President of the 

„ North American Turner Bund, John Toensfeldt. 

8. Oration, ..... Hon. John A. Logan. 

9. Flower Decoration, . . . . . Bj^ the PubUc. 
10. Keading of Letters, - From President Cleveland, Ex-President 

Arthur, and Hon. Robert T. Lincoln, by the Corresponding Secretaxy. 



204 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

11. Singing, " My Countiy, 'Tis of Thee," - - Grand Chorus. 

The Audience joining in the Choiiis. 

12. Music, - - - U. S. Cavaliy Band, Jefferson Barracks. 

Capt. Lewis, Leader. 

The Lincoln Guakd of Honor. 

G. S. Dana, President. J. N. Eeece, Vice-President. 

J. C. Power, Secretary. J. P. Lindley, Treasurer. 

J. F. McNeill. E. S. Johnson. 

N. B. Wiggins. H. Chapin, 
C. L. Conkling. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. 

Francis P. Becker, President. H. W. Ocker, Vice-President. ^ 

John J. Linck, Secretary. Eniile A. Becker, Cor. Secretary. 

Ernst Sschmann, Treasurer Gen. A. J. Smith, Grand Marshal. 

Eugene F. Weigel, Chief Aid. Louis Duestrow. 

J. B. Gandolfo, J. Nolte, 

Geo. Bamberger, Frederick Pflsterer, 

Ernst Gieselmann, Adolph Kleinecke, 

A. L. Bergfeld, Chas. Bieger, 

Chas. Struebing. 
Musical Director — Prof. Oscar SchmoU. 

liOCAIi EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, OF SPKINGFIELD, HililNOIS. 

Gen. J. N. Eeece, Master of Ceremonies and President of Committee. 

Major G. S. Dana, Assistant to Gen. Eeece. 

Charles Herman, Chairman Committee on Finance. 

C. A. Gehrmann, Chairman Committee on Decoration. 

F. Gehring, Chairman Committee on Address. 

C. U. Kettler, Chairman Committee on Music. 

Hon. H. D. Dement, Chairman Committee on Eeception. 

The people of Spring-field responded liberally to the appeal 
of the committee for funds, and numerous arches were planned 
for spanning the streets at different points. The south gate 
to Oak Eidge Cemetery was removed and a number of the 
tallest telegraph poles set in the ground, preparatory to 
building a grand triumphal arch over the entrance. Other 
telegraph poles, not so tall, were planted near the Catacomb,, 
at the Monument, in order to support a grand canopy over 
the entrance. Every movement indicated that the people of 
Springfield had, with the utmost enthusiasm, entered into the 
spirit of the occasion, but the work had to be suspended in 
an unfinished condition. When the time arrived for forming 
the procession, at noon Wednesday, the 15th, rain had fallen 
in torrents for forty hours, rendering the unpaved streets 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 205 

utterly impassable. Notwitlistaiidiuo- the unfavorable condi- 
tion of the weather, the people had been pouring into the 
city on every train, hoping- that the rain would cease, but it 
still continued. Most of the organizations assembled at their 
places of rendezvous, preparatory to forming the procession, 
but all thought of marching to the Monument, where the 
services were to have been held, was abandoned, because 
there was no paved street extending so far out, and those 
who had formed in line were permitted to break ranks. Ar- 
rangements were speedily made to hold the exercises in the 
basement of the State Capitol, the Legislature being in session 
precluded the possibility of occupying the halls above. A 
temporary stand had been erected, to be used in the event of 
the weather being unfxivorable. The stand was occupied by 
Oen. John A. Logan, Gen. W. T. Sherman, Gen. A. J. Smith, 
Gov R. J. Ogiesby, Ex-Gov. John M. Palmer, Gen. John A. 
McClernand, Col. Richard Rowett, Dr. H. N. Starkloff of St. 
Louis, Gen. Edwin A. Sherman of San Francisco, Hon. J. C. 
Conkhng of Springfield, and others. 

At half-past two o'clock, the assemblage was called to order 
by the President of the day. Gen. J. N. Reece. After music 
by the bands, the services were opened with 

PRAYER, BY REV. FRANCIS SPRINGER, D. D. : 

God most merciful, be pleased to answer the prayers of the thousands of 
devout supplicants who, aU over this broad land, often pray to Thee for blessing • 
to this greatest of the Republics. If, at any time, war must come, do Thou, O 
Lord as Thou hast done in the past, raise up able leaders and brave men, who 
may be qualified and wilhng to do the right in the day of peril as Thou shalt show 
them. But we pray that henceforth the counsels of Christian truth and reason' 
and not the sword," shaU decide between parties at variance with each other. We 
beseech Thee, Lord, so to bless the exercises of this memorial occasion as to 
impress on all who are present a proper sense of obligation to God for the privi- 
leges and enjoyments of this day. We call to mind the declaration of Divine wis- 
do'ln that righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people; and 
that blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord. We devoutly entreat Thee, 
therefore that no other but an uphfting and ennobling influence may be wrought 
throughout the land by the reports of this day's ser\ices commemorative of the 
vutues and achievements of the Martyr-President. And now, Lord, let thy spirit 
dwell richly in each mind, and the joy of Thy good presence fill each heart. All 
this we asli in the name of Clmst, our Redeemer. Amen. 

Gov. Ogiesby was then introduced, and delivered the fol- 
lowing very appropriate 



206 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

ADDRESS OF WELCOME: 
PrDGEIMS TO THE ShEINE OF OuR COUNTRY'S Pa . EON SaINT, WhO COME WITH 

Sacred Devotion to Eenew Here Your Feai^ty to Love of Country 
TO Liberty, and to Those Exalted and Inestimable Principles of 
Patriotism, Peace and Good Go^-ernment His Life so Admirably 
Illustrated: 

On the twentieth anniversary of this solemn and awful day, which first recorded 
m our country's history the crime of pohtioal assassination, here at the tomb of 
the great martyr to liberty and Union, with saddened heart and heavy weight of 
woe, I welcome you-welcome you to the solemn rites and services which will for- 
ever mai-k the return of that sad hour when fell the Great Liberator, fell that great 
hght, who, under Providence and the guidance of his own wonderful, ahnost infin- 
ite, genms, directed our way through the darkest hour to befall any Nation and 
surely the darkest and saddest hour to our own beloved country ever scored by the 
cruel finger of time, whose inextinguishable influence, radiant with hope and 
promise, still leads us to the sweeter and purer Ught of a broader liberty and a 
higher manhood. In behalf of all the people of his State, I welcome you to the 
loMB OF Abraham Lincoln. 

THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL SONG, OR LINCOLN HYMN. 

Written for this occasion by E. A. Ziienclt, in German, and 
translated into English by I. D. Foulon. Music by Prof 
Oscar Schmoll. It was then sung in German by a Grand 
Chorus composed of all the singing societies present. FoUow- 
ing is the translation : 



Mysterious murmurs fill the air, 

A thrill runs through creation ; 
He comes, the chief beyond compare, 

To look upon his Nation. 
He was a hero in the strife. 

In peace he did not falter. 
As pledge of love, his precious life 

He lay on Freedom's altar— 

His noble hfe, his precious life, 
He lay on Freedom's altar. 

We gazed on him with love and trust, 

On him, the noble-hearted— 
Who trampled treason in the dust. 

Yet dried each tear that started. 
How great, how simple, stands he there, 

Our banner's guard supernal; 
So far, yet here, for everywhere, 

Like yonder stars eternal- 
He looks on us, he looks on us. 
Like yonder stars eternal. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 207 

From sea to sea a song is heard, 

The Nation all rejoices 
That Freedom is the dearest word 

To fifty million voices. 
Hark! Lincoln speaks : " Be henceforth one 

And love ye one another! " 
The answer rings from sun to sun: 

" Our neighbor is our brother! " 

" From sea to sea, the land is free, 
Our neighbor is our brother." 

His dust is here, his spirit soars 

Aloft on eagle's pinions, 
As we lay near this temple's doors 

Fresh flow'rs from song's dominions. 
See! there's the flag he loved, unfurled, 

Which Freedom's winds are kissing, 
Let Lincoln's name ring through the world, 

For not one star is missing ; 

Come, cast your flow'rs in fragrant show'rs, 
For not one star is missing. 

Hon. James C. Conkling, of Springfield, was then introduced, 
and delivered the following- 

ORATION : 

Twenty years ago this day, Abraham Lincoln became immortal. The pistol and 
the dagger of the assassin secured for him an eternal fame. " The deep damnation 
of his taking off " not only startled and astonished all mankind, but encircled his 
brow with the halo of a martyr. Since that memorable day, the language of eulogy 
has been exhausted in endeavoring to portray the character and the virtues of the 
Great Emancipator. No genius, however subUme, has disdained to lay its tribute 
at his shrine. No statesman, however exalted, has refused to recognize him as the 
peer of the most distinguished men of any age. The historian will search in vain 
among the records of the past for a human character more unsullied, an intellect 
more comprehensive, a sagacity more unerring, and a wisdom more profound. 
Poetry has gi-acefully intertwined its numbers with his praises, and has embohned 
his memoiy in immortal song. 

Had he died earher, he would not have filled the full measure of his fame, and 
the grand object of his mission would not have been accomplished. But he lived 
to see the dissolution of the rebel armies ; to hear the exultant shouts of our vic- 
torious legions ; to grasp the hand of the slave redeemed by the genius of emanci- 
pation; to see the star-spangled banner floating gloriously over every fort and 
every citidel that had belonged to the government ; to behold treason crashed, the 
Constitution preserved, and the Union saved. 

The carnage of war had ceased. The terrible struggle of contending armies had 
stopped. The horrid implements of destruction no longer hurled the missiles of 
death upon opposing ranks. The rattle of musketiy and the roar of artillery no 
longer shook the earth. Peace, white-robed peace, with all its heavenly and puri- 
fjnng influences, had come, and come to stay. The patriotic soldier had discharged 



208 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

his obligations to the flag. And now, the husbandman prepared to return to his 
farm ; the mechanic to his worlcshop ; the scholar to his study ; and the merchant 
to his counting-room. The duties of the citiz^i, the love of home, the affection 
for wife and children, caused those vast armies to disappear Uke the mists of the ■ 
morning and the clouds upon a summer sky. 

In the midst of miiversal rejoicing among patriots, men looked forwai'd to a long 
period of prosperity, in which they expected to recuperate from the ravages of 
war; when the Nation, under the influence of better counsels, and a purer patriot- 
ism, and a richer experience, would commence a more gloiious career. The mar- 
tyred President himself fondly anticipated the time when he could retire from the 
cares and responsibilities of official station, and enjoy, in quiet retirement, the 
love and gratitude of the people, whom he had so well and so faithfully served. 
The dai'k clouds of sorrow were passing away from his brow. The radiant hopes 
of the future filled his soul with joy, and spread like a halo of glorj^ over his sad- 
dened features. He had arrived at the very summit of personal and political am- 
bition. With the eye of faith he could see the increasing grandeur of this mighty, 
ocean-bound Republic ; could witness, in the near future, a hundred millions of 
industrious and intelhgent freemen spread over this vast continent; could behold 
the tide of emigration rolling westward with tremendous rapidity, founding pow- 
erful States, astablishing prosperous and magnificent cities; constructing railroads 
from ocean to ocean; developing fabulous mines of gold and silver; and flUing ten 
thousand channels of commerce with the productions of om- luxuriant soil. He 
could see this united people proudly and majestically ascending in the scale of 
nations; commanding the respect and admiration of all mankind; paying off its 
vast national debt with unexampled rapidity; inaugurating reforms; administer- 
ing tlie laws with impartial justice without respect to persons, and then transmit- 
ting this rich inheritance to their descendants through unnumbered generations. 

In the midst of all these glowing anticipations; in the presence of wife and 
friends and a crowded assembly; without a moment's warning; with no opportunity 
for defense, or chance of escape, the bullet of the assassin crushed through his 
care-worn brain. He lingered for a few hours. The tide of life slowly ebbed 
away. And on the morning of this day, twenty years ago, the faithful husband, 
the affectionate father, the devoted friend, the honest citizen, the eminent lawyer, 
the wise legislator, the martyred President, lay cold in the embrace of death. 

The shock was felt to the remotest extremities of the earth. Every civilized 
pecple recoiled with hoiTor and execrated the dastardly act. Even barbarism 
shuddered at the enormity of the crime. Crowned heads shed tears of grief, and 
the poor down-trodden slave uttered the wailings of despair. AU classes of society 
experienced, in this terrible blow, a personal affliction. This Nation was draped in 
mouraing. The habiliments of woe appeared on every side. Strong men's hearts 
were crushed, and they wept Uke children. Across this widespread continent a 
prolonged wail of agony ascended to heaven, as if the world's final catastrophe 
had arrived. 

But it is appointed unto men once to die. Dust to dust is the common destiny 
of all humanity. For six thousand years, and more, the tramp of unnumbered 
millions has been steadily pressing onward to the grave. Generations rise and 
flourish and disappear before the remorseless scythe of time. Human ambition 
has never conquered the realms of death. No mortal has ever purchased immunity 
from its inexorable decision. Alexander and Ctesar and Napoleon, although they 
.achieved grand victories over countless milUons, fell victims to the arch destroyer. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OP HONOll. 209 

Solomon, with all his wealth, with all his glorj^; Cnjesus, Washington, with all his 
wisdom, could not bribe him for delay. The grand leveler of the human race opens 
the portals of the tomb to all alke, without respect to persons, without respect to 
age, or sex, or condition in life. 
In the language of the favorite poem of Mr. Lincoln — 

" Then why should the spirit of mortal be proud ? 
Like a swift flying meteor; a fast flying cloud; 
A flash of the lightning; a break of the wave; 
He passeth from life to his rest in the grave. 

'Tis the wink of an eye; 'tis the draught of a breath — 
From the blossom of health to the paleness of death — 
From the gilded saloon to the bier and the shroud; 
O, why should the spirit of mortal be proud?" 

The funeral ceremonies of the lamented Lincoln were performed upon a magni- 
ficent scale. His body remained at the Executive Mansion until the 19th day of 
April, when the Acting President and his Cabinet, Governors of States and mem- 
bers of the diplomatic corps, distinguished ofHcers of the army and navy, and 
many prominent citizens, gazed for the last time upon the features of the illus- 
trious dead. The casket, with its precious remains, was then removed to the 
rotunda of the Capitol, whilst thousands of spectators looked with mournful hearts 
upon the sad procession. Kegiments of infantr\% squadrons of cavalry, batteries 
of artillery, civic associations, clerks of departments, vast delegations from various 
States, and large numbers of colored men, marched amidst the tolling of bells, 
the firing of cannon, and the solemn strains of martial music. At the rotunda the 
casket was deposited upon a magnificent catafalque. A continuous throng passed 
through the Capitol from early morn until late at night on the 2Uth, and more than 
twenty-five thousand persons took a long, last, Ungering look at the well-known 
features of their martyred President. 

Upon the next day began the longest, saddest funeral procession that was ever 
recorded by the pen of the historian. 

Four years previous, on the 11th day of February, he had left his home in this 
city to assume the duties of the Executive of this great Nation. He was not in- 
sensible to the heavy responsibilities which devolved upon him, nor to the dangers 
by which he was surrounded. I heard him utter the parting words of his pathetic 
and memorable farewell, in which he said : 

" My Fkiends : No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeUng of sad- 
ness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe 
everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a 
young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I 
now leave, not Icnowing when or whether ever T may return, with a task before me 
greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of that 
Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance, I. 
cannot fail. Trusting in Him, who can go with me, and remain with you, and be 
everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care 
commending you, as I hope in^your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an 
aft'ectionate farewell." 

And thus he departed from his friends and neighbors upon his grand mission to 
the Capital of the nation. It was a triumphal progress amidst the enthusiastic 
cheers of immense multitudes. Thirty thousand welcomed him at Indianapohs, 



210 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

One hundred thousand greeted him at Cincinnati, inchiding two thousand liberty 
loving Germans amidst the roar of artillery and profuse decorations. At Colum- 
bus he addressed a vast concourse. Thence through Cleveland, Buffalo and 
Albany to New York city, it was one continued ovation. At this great metropolis 
more than a quainter of a million of people strove to catch a glimpse of him, who 
expected to assume the reins of government, and control the destinies of this 
grand Republic. One hundred thousand persons lined the streets of Philadelphia, 
whei"e he had agreed to raise the American Flag, on Independence Hall, on Wash- 
ington's birthday. In his address on that interesting occasion, he refen-ed to the 
sentiment of liberty", that was in the Declaration of Independence, and said : 

"Can this country be saved upon this basis? If it can, I will consider myself 
one of the happiest of men, if I can help to save it. If it cannot be saved upon that 
principle, it will be truly awful. If this country cannot be saved without giving 
up tliat principle, I was about to say, I would rather be assissinated on this spot 
than surrender it." 

Who shall say that he was not then concious of the dangers by which he was 
surrounded, and had not then a presentiment of an awful and violent death? 

Witla his visit to Harrisburg, his ratum to Philadelphia, his passage through 
Baltimore, and his arrival at Washington you are all familiar. Tlie 4th of March 
arrived. At the front of the Capitol, in the presence of loyal friends and glowering 
foes, he deUvered his inaugural address. He denounced, in emphatic language, the 
docti'ine of secession, and declared it to be his duty to stand by the Constitution 
and the Union. 

He said : "I consider that, in view of the constitution and the laws, the Union 
is unbroken, and to the extent of my ability, I shall take care, as the Constitution 
expressly enjoins upon me, that the laws of the Union shall be faitlifully executed 
in all the States. I trust this will not be regarded as a menace, but only as the 
declared purpose of the Union, that it will constitutionally defend and maintain 
itself." 

But how inexpressibly tender were the closing words of this remarkable address. 

He said : "I am loth to close. We are not enemies but friends. We must not 
be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bond of 
affection. The mystic cords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and pa- 
triot grave, to eveiy living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet 
swell tlie chorous of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the 
better angels of our nature." 

How prophetic was this language of the memories which now linger around a 
hundred battlefields, and the gr sves of more than two hundred thousand patriots, 
who died that the nation might live. 

How pi'ophetic of this period, when a grand chorus of patriotic song ascends 
from every portion of the land, both north and south, when earnest prayers arise, 
like incense, from the grateful heai'ts of fifty millions of people, in favor of the con- 
tinued and perpetual existence of the Union ; when the beautiuil flowers of spring 
are scattered by loving hands upon the sacred ground where slumber both friend 
and foe alike. 

It is not my purpose to enter into the details of this gigantic rebellion. It is 
sufficient to say that aljove the carnage of battle ; above the terriffic shock of 
armies ; above the awful destruction of life and property ; above the throes of an 
agonized nation sti'uggling for life, stood the towering intellect of Abraham Lin- 
coln, calmly surveying the widespread and terrible scene. By his appeals to the 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 211 

people he creatod vast armies. By his extraordinary sagacity and intuitive knowl- 
edge of men, he selected successful commanders and able counsellors. By his 
kinthiess and cheering words, he stimulated the ambition and kindled the patriot-, 
ism of the private soldier. By his wisdom, he aided in devising the ways and. 
means of defraying the enormous expenses of the government ; and by his practi- 
cal common sense, and excellent substitute for diplomatic sldll, he successfully 
avoided any conflict with unfriendly nations. 

Amidst the discouragements of defeat he never jielded to the sentiment of dis- 
pair. Amidst the shouts of triumph he was never unduly elated by success. Though 
opposed to slavery, he preferred the Union. But when the auspicious moment 
arrived, he issued the proclamation which stnick tlie chains from four millions of 
human beings ; "and upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, war- 
ranted by the constitution, upon military necessity, he invoked the considerate 
judgment of mankind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God." 

Six months aftenvards, the siege of Yicksburg was crowned with victory, under 
the skillful management of Grant and his illustrious Generals ; and the battle of 
Gettysburg was successfully fought and won by Meade and his gallant soldiers. 
These were fearful blows to the Confederacy, but when Sherman pierced its heart, 
and accomphshed his grand and glorous march to the sea, he demonstrated its 
weakness, and foretold its speedy dissolution. 

But Mr. Lincoln was elected for another presidential term. In his second in- 
augural address he exhibited the same generous sentiments towards the nation's 
foes which he had formerly displayed, and the same characteristics of God-like 
and magnanimous spirit. Said he, "with malice toward none, with charity for all, 
with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish 
the work we are in ; to bind up the nation's wounds ; to care for him who shall 
have borne the battle and for his widow and orphans ; to do all which may achieve 
and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations." 

Such were the sentiments expressed by this magnanimous President but a few 
weeks before his death. Such a spirit of foi'giveness had never been exhibited 
among the civihzed governments of the earth. In other lands, treason would have 
been punished by slaughter of whole hecatombs of victims. But Lincoln abhored 
the shedding of blood. No traitor, with his permission, had expiated his crime upon 
the scaffold. "Sic semper tyrannis," had no a,])oligy tor its utterance, in any act 
of his life or in any trait of his character. 

But now that gentle, forgiving spii'it had been driven from its tenement by the 
hands of an assassin. His mortal remains had commenced the most solemn and 
most remarkable funeral procession ever described on the pages of history. For 
moi-e than sixteen hundred miles they were tenderly and lovingly carried from city 
to city, from State to State, by lofty mountain peaks, through deep gorged valleys 
and over extensive prairies to his western home. During the silent hours of night 
and under the glaring rays of the noonday sun, those precious relics passed 
through continuous throngs of men, women and children, who reverently stood 
with tearful eyes and uncovered heads and throbbing hearts as they gazed upon 
the gloomy panorama. Amidst the tolling of bells, the booming of cannon, and the 
mournful tones of the funeral dirge, they were ti-ansported from Capitol to Capitol 
until they reached this sacred spot and were deposited within these consecrated 
grounds. 

Here many thousand had assembled to witness the last obsequies of the illus- 
trious dead. Here his old friends and neighbors had gathered to honor his memory 



212 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

amidst profound grief and loud lamentations. Tliey liad known him in his youth 
and early manhood. They had witnessed his successful struggles in professional 
life, and his honorable career as their pubhc sei-vaut. They had Ustened to his 
sparkling wit ; his jovial anecdotes ; his convincing logic and his powerful argu- 
ments, when a candidate for poUtical preferment. They had reposed upon his 
judgment with implicit confidence. They had trusted without hesitation to his 
stern integrity. They had selected him'as their champion in their memorable con- 
test of 1858 in which he achieved a national fame. They had helped to elevate 
him to the Presicdntial chair, and had seen him fill, with destinction, the highest 
office in the gift of mankind. 

But now the closing scenes in the drama were about to occur. The sad I'ites of 
sepultm-e were about to be performed. The last funeral dirge was sung. The last 
oration was delivered in the eloquent language of the gifted orator. The last bene- 
diction was pronounced, and all that was mortal of the illustrious Lincoln was con- 
signed to the silence of the tomb. 

Yonder stands his statue, a faithful representation of his person and his feat- 
ures ; the same calm and rnajestic mein ; the same peaceful and contemplative 
look ; the same thoughtful and patient appearance. Me thinks he looks down upon 
this vast assemblage, like the presiding genius of this united and prosperous na- 
tion, with an approving smile, while he holds in his hand that grand proclamation 
which is destined to make his name immortal. 

Hei'e, too, is a monument worthy of his fame. Erected by the voluntary contribu- 
tions of the people, aU over this broad land, we trust it will last for ages, to com- 
memorate his virtues and testify their gratitude for- his sei-vices ; that it will become 
a, Mecca, toward which the lovers of freedom, throughout the world, will annually 
make their pilgrimage to drink deep of the spirit of Liberty and renew their alle- 
giance to its cause ; and that all races of men, without distinction, will bow rever- 
ently before this shrine and ascribe praise and honor to the great Emancipator. 

May the affections of the people cluster forever ai-ound this monument from 
foundation stone to turrent top. May its obelisk continue firm and unshaken so 
that succeeding generations from age to age may be reminded of the character 
and virtues of Abraham Lincoln. 

H. M. Starkloff, M. D., of St. Louis, ex-President of the 
North American Turner-Bund (Union), was introduced, and 
delivered an oration in German, of which the following is a 
translation, by Mr. C. A. Gehrmann, of Spring-field, who 
assures the editor that it unavoidably loses some of its cream 
in the translation. In its original language, it must be rich, 
indeed. 

ORATION BY DR. STARKLOFF. 

Twenty years have passed since the ball of a cowardly murderer severed the 
life-thread of the man chosen by the American people for their supreme leader; 
he who, in the greatest national danger and calamity, never failed to justify the con- 
fidence placed in him. His memory, like that of George Washington, has found a 
place in the hearts of all, to remain forever. We have assembled here on the anni- 
versary of his death, representative of our great Nations, to give expressions wor- 
thy of his memory, and to review the life of him whose noble work is already 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 213 

engraved in golden letters on the world's histoiT. We come, not to pay tribute to 
the di^ad in words alone, but to impress upon our minds that beautiful moral pic- 
ture which his pure and conscientious life has shown to us; to take it as a guide 
to our own actions; to use his virtues and noble deeds as a historic banner, to be 
pointed out to our children as worthy of imitation, and as a precept by which future 
generations may estimate their progressive ideas and the growth of their excellen- 
cies. Abraham Lincoln, whose violent death was a calamity to an entire Nation, 
was. bom in Hardin county, Kentucky. The restless life of his father, who moved 
from place to place, in the vain hope of finding land which would support 
him without much labor, deprived young Abe of a regular school training, 
and only under great difficulties he learned to read and write. His desire for 
knowledge caused him to read and study every book he could lay his hands on, 
A history of the Ufe of George Washington, which he borrowed of a farmer friend, 
was a special favorite, and he carried it with him wherever he went. Soon he be- 
ga,n to write short pieces. At the age of fifteen, the rudeness of some of his asso- 
ciates caused him to write an article about cruelty to animals. Taking the position 
of clerk in a store, he soon became popular with his patrons, who considered him 
the 7ie 2)lu8 ultra of learning and honesty. When about nineteen, Mr. Lincoln 
tried his fortunes on a New Orleans trading or fiat-boat as pilot and salesman, or 
supercargo. After making a successful trip, he returned to New Salem, (now ex- 
tinct) Illinois, where he came in contact with many rude and rough people, who, 
knowing his great kindness and his peaceable disposition, imposed upon him, and 
often made him a target for their jokes, until one day, to the surprise of all, and at 
the expense of his tormentors, he made use of his fists, and speedily terminated his 
troubles of that kind. This intrepidity caused him to be elected captain of a 
military company organized to fight the Indians, who were committing depreda- 
tions against the frontier settlers. Returned home, he took a position as assistant 
to the county surveyor, and later was appointed postmaster at New Salem, and 
in that position found time to take up the study of law, and was finally admitted 
to the bar. FaUing in love with an estimable young lady aroused his ambition. 
He became a candidate for a seat in the legislature of IlUnois and was elected. 
His popularity with the people grew from day to day, and it was he alone who 
could stand up and offer an energetic protest against slavery. In the meantime, 
he gained great reputation as an attorney, as he principally took up none but just 
and honest cases, and prosecuted or defended them vigorously and with success. 

No slanderous tongue dared to impeach his integrity, and the popular name, 
" Honest Abe," remained with him till death. When the great statesman, Stephen 
A. Douglas, presented his Nebraska bill, by which attention was called to the im- 
portance of the slavery question in relation to the Territories, the strife began. 
Party ties were severed, and a new party, the Republican, came into existence 
and Abraham Lincoln became the western leader. The struggle for the seat about 
to become vacant by expiration of the term of Stephen A. Douglas in the United 
States Senate, illustrates the greatness and honesty of Lincoln's character. His 
friends, fearing he would go too far, pressed, and even implored, him to be more 
reserved in his expressions with reference to the abolishment of slavery. Being 
thoroughly convinced of the soundness of his views, he could not be induced to 
proclaim that slavery was in harmony with republican principles. Lincoln was 
defeated in the Senatorial contest, but in the year 1860 he was nominated by the 
Republican party as their candidate for President of the United States. From this 
time a new era began; but his expected elevation by no means made him proud, 
J 



214 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

but, on the contrary, he appreciated the responsibility placed upon him. He was 
cai'eful and moderate, devoting himself entirely to the various duties resting upon 
him. In his exterior and pi'ivate hfe he remained the same, simple and cordial. 
Visitors found in him the same old, honest soid as before. The door was open for 
everybody, and his hand extended to all in friendship and sympathy. Numberless 
are the anecdotes told of him and his easy and popular manner towerd all. He 
would receive callers at the White House in the same cordial way as at home. 
His hands were always cheerfully extended toward the needy and unfortunate. 
Shortly before his election, the cry for secession became louder and louder. Slan- 
der and menace were hurled against him, and all that lying and meanness could do 
to harm him came into requisition. Lincoln saw the stoi-m brewing, and felt that 
it would break soon with the greatest fury, but he kept self-control. No word of 
vlndictiveness was spoken. Sohd he stood on the platform of his party, which he 
had accepted. A cry of disappointment from the South, and of joy in the North 
and "West, greeted the election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency of the United 
States. 

The poor, simple backwoodsman was elevated to the supreme office of the coun- 
try. To the critics it was a peculiar picture to see this man, who hardly knew 
how to place his hands and feet, put in the fu'st position in the land. It is true 
his hands were large, but they remained clean to his death. His feet Avere hea^y, 
but, in the race for greatness, they outran the swiftest. If personal appearance 
brought him no admirers, his kindness of heart drew them by milUons . The con- 
spiracies against his life, instigated by the followers of Jefferson Davis, were fre- 
quent. Numerous letters of intimidation arrived, and whenever he was warned to 
take more care of himself, he would reply that, in case he should be murdered, his 
successor would finish what he had begun. With his inauguration, the gigantic 
work of his life commenced. He formed a Cabinet, of which every member was 
destined to perform herculean work. Every department was corrupt, eveiy officer 
antagonistic to the Government, and eveiything done at the Executive Mansion 
was speedily betrayed to the South. To clean the Augean stable was no small 
work; but it was done, slow and sure. Lincoln's position was not enviable. Seven 
Southern States in open rebellion; enemies in all Northern States; surrounded liy 
spies and unscrupulous poUticians; the commencement of hostilities dailj' ex- 
pected; the arsenals and treasuiy empty and resources vague. But Old Abe had 
the wisdom and courage to meet all these discouraging appearances. His conser- 
vative policy did not allow a shot to be fired, in spite of all these waiiike prepara- 
tions under the very eye of the United States troops. At last, on April 12, the 
rebel general, Beauregard, opened fire on Fort Sumter, whose garrison, nearly 
starved, and consequently helpless for defense, surrendered the next day. The 
fall of Fort Sumter fmaUy aroused the patriotism of our people. The flag was in- 
sulted. A cry of indignation went through the land. All disloyalty vanished. 
Defense and self-protection were the watchwords of the Nation, and the war be- 
gan, with all its hoiTors and sacrifices, not to end until the stars and stripes proudly 
floated again, undisturbed, over the United States of America. 

Lincohi was now at the zenith of his glory. He who advanced from the most 
primitive social position to the highest in the land; who, with clear eyes and elastic 
step, was ready to advance on the path of national greatness, nearer the sun of 
glory, who shed her blended rays above, while the admiring masses under him fol- 
lowed with keenest interest the eagle's path. The confidence in him grew to be 
unlimited, and he was almost idolized when he issued his renowned Emancipation 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 215 

Proclamation, September 22, 1862. In 1864, he was again elected President, with 
increased majority. Terrible was the news of his assassination to the American 
people, and of the conspiracy against all the heads of the diffei-ent ch^partments. 
All parties arose, as one man, and never was a nation more united in condemnation 
of the cowardly act committed by the assassin than the American people when 
they heard of the crime. This inspired unity, this national indignation and grief 
was grand — subhme! The funeral ceremonies on the route to Springfield were one 
mourning ovation. No more sincere and devoted mourning for one of such high 
station can be imagined. No emperor could have ordered funeral obsequies for 
one of his family more grand and imposing than the people gave to tlieir lost 
leader. 

Honest Old Abe died poor — as poor as he was when he entered the White House. 
Not all the money the world pi-oduced could buy from him the honor and honesty 
of his name, or any particle of his honest convictions. Lincoln was not brilliant ; 
he had none of those peculiarities that make men great generally ; but he had 
numberless virtues which brought him nearer the hearts of the people. There was 
no haughtiness nor overbearing in him. Simple and accessible as he was in the 
log cabin, so he remained at the Executive Mansion of the Nation; and yet he un- 
derstood, better than anybody else, how to keep imposters and intruders off his 
hands. No fanatical idealism, no romantic sentimentality irritated his cleai- mind 
and sound judgment, yet the deep, poetical aspirations interwoven with his ora- 
tions gave proof of the ideal imagination and the unlimited love for all that is good 
and beautiful. But his aspirations seemed only to sen^e him to adorn and enliven 
his subjects. His exemplaiy explicitness; his natural, artless eloquence, sparkling 
with wit and humor, and a good-natured discretion, always gave him decided ad- 
vantage over more brilliant and violent antagonists. 

No other man knew the people and understood them better tlian he did, being 
himself a representative of the purest type of the Anglo-American. A genuine, 
progressive man, steady and rational, unimpenetrable love for freedom, with full 
regai'd for existing laws, he presented in all his actions the cleai-est comprehension 
of the natural foundation for social progress. Simple as his exterior was, skill, 
genius and intelligence had drawn unmistakable lines to his brow. His deep eyes 
sparkled with sympathy and kindness, and his mouth indicated strong character 
and will power. The expression of his face was that of a man who had struggled, 
suffered and fought, who conquered the past and was ready to face the future. He 
loved the people; his heart was with the soldier, who, in turn, idolized him who 
could shed bitter tears for their crippled and wounded comrades. His morality, 
pure as a child's, his untiring working power, his conservative discrimination, and 
his just regard for the expressed will of the people, stamp him the greatest and 
best man of the country. Whatever he was reproached for during his life, how 
severely he often was blamed, never have the results shown a mistake in his actions. 
He also had his traducers, who, through envy, charged him with being tyranical, 
because he would frequently make arrangements, and give commands of great im- 
poi-tance without consulting his cabinet; but, in such cases, he invariably followed 
the dictates of his large and generous heart. He would not overburden anybodv 
with responsibilities, while he divided honors hberally and cheerfully with his co- 
laborers. Such was this plain man. His tragic death sanctified his great name, 
and this grassy hill turns every shadow of en\y from the one who slumbers 
beneath it. We will cherish his memory for all time to come. He_was the 



216 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



liberator of four millions of people from the accursed bonds of slavery. He was 
the savior of his Nation. He died for his country. Honors, thousands of honors 
forever to the memoiy of A])raham Lincoln. 

General and Senator John A. Logan, on being introduced, 
delivered the followino- 

ADDRESS : 

On the 12th day of February, seventy-six years ago, in the midst of a hardy 
pioneer people in Hardin county, Kentucky, a son called Abraham was bom unto 
Thomas and Nancy Lincohi. A few years later, this son is found with his parents 
in Indiana, where he labored at farm work in assisting his father. There was 
no opportunity offered him for receiving an education. Under the guidance of his 
mother, however, he was taught to read and wi-ite. He was of studious habits 
and carefully read all the books he could borrow from the neighbors. 

" All that I am, or hope to be," he said, " I owe to my angel mother." In his 
twenty-first year, he is located in Illinois, doing manual labor, though at times, 
when he could do so, he was always found, book in hand, storing his mind with 
useful knowledge. He was a constant reader of the Bible, as well as Shakespeare's 
works, and from these acquired a better understanding of human action and that 
which influences the minds of men than" all those who criticized him as "an un- 
educated man" ever had capacity to understand. He ser\'ed in the Black Hawk 
war, afterwards several years in our State Legislature, and one term in Congress. 
Yet, until 1858, when he joined in debate with the lamented Stephen A. Douglas, 
nothing seemed to afford the opportunity for Mm to prove to the countiy his great 
ability as a lawyer, statesman and debater, as well as a man of thought, reseai'ch 
and great power of analysis. 

In that great debate, he displayed such wonderful ability as to at once give him 
a national reputation. His great mind seemed to unfold to his auditors danger 
. after danger that then menaced our beloved country. He so held the mirror before 
the people that they could plainly see the trouble which must come in the future, 
if the then policy should be persisted in. He foreshadowed disaster and suggested 
the way to avoid it. He exhibited clearly to the people that if the destruction of 
the Union must come, we ourselves must be the author and finisher. His argu- 
ments were convincing, his deductions and logic were irresistible. 

In all his speeches, his basis was right against wrong. He convinced all who 
heard him that he was a man of generous impulses and great kindness of heart. 
He seemed to feel the wrongs of all down-trodden and oppressed humanity as Ids 
own. The impression left upon his hearers was that he had dedicated himself to 
a work in their behalf. 

When elected President of the United States, he entered upon the duties of that 
office "with malice toward none, with charity for all," and although the circum- 
stances were of the most trying character that ever surrounded any man in under- 
taking to administer the affairs of a Nation, yet he grasped a firm hold of the 
helm of the ship of state, and moved on calmly and coolly in the performance of 
the arduous duties assigned him. 

He met each condition of things as presented to him; his great mind took in 
every situation as it was developed; he proved himself equal to any and all emer- 
gencies; and, while our country was passing through the severest ordeal, he kept 
pace with the advancing sentiments of the people, neither going ahead nor lag- 
ging behind, always taking advantage of the proper moment to do the right thing. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 217 

as was exemplified by his proclamation of emancipation, giving freedom to an 
oppressed race. He met all questions at an opportune moment, and seemed ever 
full of hope as well as confident of the ultimate success and complete restoration 
of the Union. 

Twenty years ago to-daj", early in his second term as President, and just as his 
proud anticipations and fondest hopes were being realized, he fell at the hands of 
an assassin, a martyr to the cause of human freedom. As the tallest oak in the 
forest falls, causing the earth to tremble at the shock, so his fall caused the Nation 
to tremble; stalwart men cried aloud and wept; women wrung their hands and ap- 
pealed to Heaven to know why this great wrong should have been permitted. This 
people mourned and would not be comforted; all civiUzed countries were saddened; 
a deep gloom covered the whole land; and in grief and sorrow we moum him still. 

In the life of this man there is a lesson that ought to be taught the present and 
future generations, which would be of more value than the gold that glLstens. 

Coming from the lower walks of hfe, without any of the advantages now within 
reach of all, he struggled through poverty along the rugged pathway of life, over- 
coming aU obstacles that opposed, until he attained the highest position among 
men. His great heart and mind were directed on the Une of doing good to his fel- 
low-man. 

Entirely absorbed by this thought in favor of struggling humanity, he had no 
time to devote to the accumulation of wealth. The benefits showered upon op- 
pressed man, by his great ability and kind heart, by far outreached those which 
could have been accomplished by the riches of a Croesus. 

Wealth revels behind, while poverty foUows us to the grave, but the wealth that 
leaves its lasting impress upon mankind is that store of kindness which fills the 
human breast, and the great resources of a giant intellect, whose thoughts and 
good works five on through time. " So let it be " with Abraham Lincoln. He 
ascended to the topmost round of fame's ladder, and from thence stepped into the 
mansion on high prepai'ed for the good and true. 

If we could but see him as his sainted spirit stands to-day, not in the blood- 
besmeared temple of human bondage, but radiant with the light of human liberty 
and the glory of God plajnng around him, with shattered fetters and broken chains 
at his feet, we would behold one of the noblest spirits that ever passed through 
the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem into the presence of the great white tturone 
of our Heavenly Father. 

Geu. Wm. Teciimseh Sherman was not on the prog:ramme, 
because it was not certainly known that he would be present, 
but, in response to repeated calls, he made the following- ex- 
tempore 

address: 

, Comrades and Feiends: I am here to-day as one of a delegation from your 
neighboring State of Missouri to participate with you in these exercises, both of a 
sacred and pati'iotic character. We come to manifest our love and respect for 
Abrfiliam Lincoln, and to lay a simple tribute, our simple chaplet, upon his tomb, 
and, mitil I got upon this stage, I had not the least intention of saying one word ; 
but I have been requested to speak by my friends from Missouri, and, therefore, I 

—14 



218 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

speak in their name. Nothing that I can say can add one particle of fame to Abra- 
ham Lincoln. He, himself, in life, did his work nobly, and with his own hands 
penned his name high upon the temple of fame, where it stands to-day in splen- 
dor, seen by all men, and becoming brighter and brighter each year, as the mists 
of passion are dispelled by timei. 

Since the days of Demosthenes, no man has spoken mere eloquently than he 
spoke at the battlefield of , Gettysburg. Since Washington spoke of his favorite 
States, no man has spoken more kindly than Abraham Lincoln at his first inaugu- 
ration. Within the last few days, I have received from Washington a fac-simile of 
the original letter written by Mr. Seward to Charles Francis Adams, our minister 
to London, which had been overhauled by President Lincoln within a few months 
of his incoming administration. A word erased here, and a paragraph ci'ossed 
out there, an insertion of a word where needed — ever>^ one shows that no man was 
his superior in the knowledge of the English language, and that he was a great 
statesman and a great man. He was such when he lived with you here as a civil 
citizen, reared in your town of Springfield. You, young men, who have never seen 
him, have heard your fathers speak of this beloved hero. 

There are some gray heads on this stand who knew him well. You have in your 
charge a sacred trust. You are the custodians of his grave. All that remains of 
him now are in your keeping. We come here to worship at his shrine, and will 
return to our homes carrying with us the influences that we receive here. He 
stands now at the pinnacle of fame. We can heed his counsels and live up to his 
direction, and dedicate our own lives to the principles which brought his death, for 
our work is not yet finished. Let us go fortli from this place to our callings and 
missions, carrying influences such as he did wherever he went. Let us try to act 
as he did, for the good of mankind and the everlasting glory of our country. I 
thank you. 

Mr. E. A. Becker, Corresponding Secretary, read letters re- 
ceived from prominent persons, in the following order: 

Executive Mansion, Washington, D. C, March 21, 1885. — My Dear Sir: The 
President is in receipt of your letter of the 13th instant, inviting him. on behalf of 
the conunittee having the matter in charge, to visit Springfield on the 15th of April, 
for the purpose of attending the anniversai'j^ memorial services of the death of 
President Lincoln. 

It would be gratifying to the President to be able to be present on the occasion re- 
ferred to, but he regrets that his official engagements, which require his presence 
in Washington at the time named, wiU prevent his participation in the ceremonies 
of the day. 

Expressing his tlianks for the courtesy of the invitation, I am, very truly yours, 

Daniel S. Lamont, Private SecretarJ^ 

Washington, D. C, March 21. Emil A. Becker, Dear Sir: I have your letter 
of the 3d instant, inviting me to be present at the memorial services to commem- 
orate the twentieth anniversary of the death of President Lincoln, and bid you to 
express to the committee my appreciation of their com'tesy in inviting me, and of 
my regret that my engagements make it impossible for me to be in Springfield on 
the 15th of April. Veiy truly yours, Chestek A. Arthuk. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OP HONOR. 219 

Feemont O April 11, 1885.— 3/y Dear Sir: Yom- letter inviting me to attend the 
memorial se'rvices on tlie twentieth anniversaiy of the death oE Abraham Lincoln, 
at Springfield BL, is before me. Abraham Lincohi was the maityr of a stamless 
cause It was the cause of America, the cause of the future; it was more-it was, 
indeed the cause of all mankind. The triumph of this cause, so good and so 
great was due under Providence, more largely to Lincoln than any other man. He 
was the embodiment of its spirit, its principles and its purposes. He was the 
truest representative and the highest type of the plain people, whose courage, pa- 
tience fortitude and faith, in the army and at home, won the victory. With each 
passing year, the unmeasured greatness and the priceless value of the work, of 
wliich he was the leader, become more clear. The twentieth anniversary of the 
appaUing event which closed that momentous struggle, the great Amencan con- 
flict finds the world able to see Lincoln and his deeds with a larger and wider 
appreciation than ever before. Every anniversary, to the end of time, of the event 
you now commemorate, will surely bring to Lincoln, to his character, and to the 
results of his Ufe, the increased esteem, admiration and gratitude of aU civihzed 

men. . . . 

Eecretting that I cannot take part with you in the celebration, I remain, sm- 
, E. B. Hayes. 

cerely, 

EMiii A. Becker, Corresponding Secretary. 

Washington, D. C, March 1, 1885. Emil A. Becker, Esq., Dear Sir: 1 thank 
vou for advising me of the memorial exercises proposed to be held by your Asso- 
ciation on the anniversaiy of mv fathers death. I am not certain that I wiU be at 
home in Illinois at that time, and I can, therefore, only express my grateful appre- 
ciation of the feeUngs which cause you to do my father's memoiy this exceptional 
honor. BeUeve me sincerely yours, Robt. T. Lincoln. 

Rev. Dr. Samuel Francis Smith, the venerable and illus- 
trious author of our National hymn, "America," (see page 
194,) was unexpectedly present. He was then in his seventy- 
seventh year. The patriotic hymn which he had written fifty- 
three years before, had been sung in his hearing, during his 
missionary travels on nearly all sides of the earth. By invi- 
tation, he^ecited this hymn, after which it was sung by the 
Grand' Chorus, thus closing the exercises at the State Capitol. 
The singing of America was highly appropriate, and served 
well in place of a benediction. 

Dr. Smith had written a poem, expecting it to be read that 
day by his friend Mrs. Roby. Before that was known, the 
progi-amme was already too full, especially as every move- 
ment had to be made through rain aiid mud. He then wrote 
the following dedication, which it is thought proper to insert 
here, preceding the poem: 



220 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

PRESIDENT LINCOLN — A POEM FOR THE OCCASION. 

To IVIbs. LeIjIA p. Kobt, the noble, generous woman, and the soldiers' true- 
hearted friend, this poem, written for the celebration of April 15, 1885, is respect- 
fully and heartily dedicated by the author, S. F. Smith. 

Springfield, 111., April 15, 1885. 

I. 

Heroic statesman, hail! 

Thy honored name 
With instrument and song we laud. 

And poets' lays ; 
Blow, every mountain top, and sheltered vale, 

And rock and stream — 
And lisping tongue of infancy, and age. 

And manhood's prime and woman's love, . 

Combine, that honored name to px'aise. 

II. 

As to Anchises' tomb, 
"With reverent love, pious JEneas came, 

Intent, with festal rites. 

To crown his father's fame ; 
So we, with grateful reverence, come to pay 
This loving tribute at the sacred shrine 

Where sleeps the patriot bold. 

The statesman wise, the martyr prince, 

The peerless man. 
And on this shrine our fragrant garlands lay, 

III. 
Like the wild eagle's flight. 
When from his rocky height, 

Down on the plain he swoops, free as the air- 
Bom witli a soul of Are, 
Born to be free, 

Patient in toil, and danger, and alarm, 

He ventured all for love of liberty, 

And helped the lowly in that bliss to share. 

IV. 

Grandly he loved and Uved. 
Not his own age alone 
Bears the proud impress of his sovereign mind ; 
Down the long march of history, 
Ages and men shall see 
What one great soul can be, 
What one great soul can do 
To make a Nation true — 

To raise the weak, 

The lost to seek. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR, 221 

To be a ruler and a father, too, 

No scheming tool, 

No slave to godless rule, . 
Gracious, efficient, meek, sublime, refined. 

V. 

Ambitious — not of wealth, 
Nor power, nor place. 
His aim, a nobler race; 
His title eminent — an honest man ; 
"• His, to lift up the rude ; 
His, to be great and good. 

And good as gi-eat ; 
; His, to stem error's flood— 
His, but to help and bless; 
His, to work righteousness^ 
And save the State. 

VI. 

Brave, self-reliant, wise, ' 

Calm in emergencies, 
Steady, alike, to wait, and prompt to move; 

In counsel, great and safe. 
Prudent to plan. 

Righteous to deal with sin, 

Prone, less to force than win, 
Strong in his own stem will, and strong in God, 

Conquering, alone to bless — 
A loving man. 

VII. 

Firm, but yet merciful, 

In pity bountiful. 
Calmly considerate, serenely just; 
Nobly forgiving to the fallen foe. 
He, the meek sufferer from oppression's blow, 

Repaying ill with good. 

E'en as the sandal wood 
Bathes with rai-e perfmue the sharp ase that smites; 

Unflinching for the right, 
Whate'er might come. 
And, until death, 
Fei^vent, decided, faithful to his trust. 

vui. 
Great souls can never die — 
Death and decay's damp fingers 
"Waste but the mortal; 
A nobier life spreads its far vista wide.. 
Beyond death's portal; 
Like an unfading light 
The life work lingers; 



222 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

The hei'o dies; statesman and soldier falls ; 

The Nation finds new Ufe, 
And prosperous years, and wealth, and peace; 

And hearts at rest, and gi'ander aims, 

And righteousness. 

And souls that dare to be 

Just as God made them — free ; 
And he who falls, crushed in the bitter strife, 
Lives, magnified, exalted, ever hves; 

His work bears fruit immortal. 

IX. 

So the great sun, majestic, plows his way 
Through clouds, and storms, and dim eclipse, 

And winter's cold, and summer's heat ; 

And nightly dips 
His flaming disc in the broad western sea, 
But scatters hght and pleasure all the day ; 

Setting, lie leaves the world 
Eicher and better for his hght and love ; 

Warmer, more fertile, more benign; 
Sets but to rise, on other lands, aiad shine 

Forever, in the galaxy divine. 

As stated in an earlier part of this article, preparations 
were commenced at the Monument, for decorating on a magni- 
ficent scale, but the torrents of rain caused ever;v^hing on the 
outside to be left in an unfinished condition. The floral offer- 
ings filled the catacomb to overflowing. They were arranged 
in the most artistic manner by the committee of ladies, con- 
sisting of Mrs. John A. Nafew, Mrs. M. J. Stadden, Mrs. E. 
R. Roberts, Mrs. E. L. Higgins, Mrs. A. E. Bently, and Misses 
Josephine P. Cleveland, Mamie Nafew and Blanche Bentley. 

On approaching the entrance to the catacomb the visitor 
was met by such a volume of perfume from the floWers as to 
cause one to feel that the olfactories constituted the principle 
organs of sense. This feeling was heightened by the exquisite 
scent from the attar of roses sprinkled on some of the earth 
from the grave of Gen. E. D. Baker, in Lone Mountain Ceme- 
terj'j at San Francisco. The earth was brought by Gen. 
Edwin A. Sherman, of Oakland, California, who made the pil- 
orimaffe, in order to be at the tomb of Lincoln, on the 
twentieth anniversary of his death, and to lay this tribute of 
affection on his sarcophagus. 

The floral tributes from Oakland Park, California, Chicago, 
St. Louis, Quincy, Rockford, Peoria, Ottawa and smaller 




NORTH AMERICAN TURNER BUND, 



(Page ^i.) 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 223 

cities, were bewilderino- in their numbers, beauty and fra<^rance. 
To describe them all and name the parties who sent them 
would occupy several pages of this book. The schools in 
Springfield nearly all sent flowers. We will have to be content 
with a drscription of one only, that from the High School. 
It was a ladder of green, with a calla lily on each round, and 
this stanza attached to it: 

• Tor the stai's in our country's banner grow dim, 
Let us weep in our sadness, but weep not for tiim ; 

'Not for him who has died full of honor and years, 
Not for him who in going leaves millions in tears, 

■ Not fcr him who has climbed Fame's ladder so high, 
From the round at the top he has stepped to the sky." 

The Turners of St. Louis, as a memento of their visit and 
of the occasion, prepared an elaborate 

OAKEN TABLET, 

Five feet across and seven and a half feet high. It consists 
of base, columns and crown, is of heavy carved oak of gothic 
design. The carving is in wreaths and drapery, an eagle in 
bas relief on the crown and an owl on the base. Across the 
upper part, just beneath the eagle is the inscription in letters 
raised in the wood, 

"pro patria mortuus." 

The centre is of white satin, about three by four feet, all 
under glass, bears the following inscription in gold and black 
lettering : 

In Honor of our beloved Martyr President 
ABRAHAM LINCOLN, 

Whose life was sacrificed in the triumphant execution of our grand principles, — 
the presei*vation of the Union and the abolition of human slaveiy. This memorial 
is dedicated on the Twentieth anniversary of his death, as a token of undying 
love and reverence, by the North Ameiican German Turner Bund. 

APKHi 15, 1885. John Toensfeldt, President. 

H. CoLiiSiEE, Secretary. 



224 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OP GEKMAN TUBNEES, 

F. P. Becker, G. Bamberger, 

J. J. Linek. E. Gieslmarm, 

E. Eschmaim, A. L. Bergfeld, 

E. F. Weigel, H. W. Ocker, 
J. B. Gandolfo,, E. A. Becker, 
D. Denstrow, A. J. Smith, 
J. Nolte, A. Kleinecke,, 

F. Pflsterer. 0. Eieger, 

The inscription, with the names of officers and executive 
committee, is surrounded by wreaths of laurel, each ^vith a 
bow of white ribbon bordered with black, and the name of 
each organization represented, with the initials, T. B., Turner 
Bund, or Union, as follows: 

New York T. B. Mimiesota T. B. 

Chicago T. B. Ohio T. B. 

Centi-al Illinois T. B. West New York T. B. 

Rocky Mountain T. B. Lake Erie T. B. 

Connecticut T. B. Central New York T. B. 

TTpper Mississippi T. B. Missouri Valley T. B. 

New England T. B. Upper Missouri Valley T. B, 

New Orleans T. B, Northwestern T. B. 

Indiana T. B. Pittsburg T. B. 

"Wisconsin T. B. South Atlantic T. B. 

Southeastern T. B. Central Michigan T. B. 

Long Island T. B. Paciflc T. B. 

New Jersey T. B. Philadelphia T. B. 
St. Louis T. B. 

In all twenty-seven districts, bunds or unions are repre- 
sented, constituting the whole North American Turner Bund. 

During the services at the State House it stood on a float, 
on trucks, in the street in order to give as many as possible 
an opportunity to see it. It was about two o'clock in the 
afternoon when the tablet reached the monument, having 
been hauled through rain and mud. Its weight is about five 
hundred pounds. It was first carried into the catacomb, and 
placed by the side of the sarcophagus, by the Turners, all of 
whom were Veteran Union Soldiers. It was there dedicated 
in a neat little address by Mr. John Toensfeldt, of St. Louis, 
President of the Union. The following is Mr. Toenfeldt's 
address : 

When patriotism was put to the test, when the welfare and preservation of our 
country called for a sacrifice, be it of wealth, or of life, then it was that the mem- 
bers of the Union, which is called Turnerbund, and in whose name I am to dedi- 
cate this memorial, were among the first to answer the country's call. Of their 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 225 

ranks many did not return. They died for the same cause for which their beloved 
leader, whose memory we are celebrating to-day, was called away. It is a laud- 
able idea of the survivors to set a token of their love and reverence for him in 
whom so great principles were personified, to remind the young who grow up in a 
time that seems comparatively bare of high patriotism and great deeds, that there 
were men who loved their country more than their Uves, and that such men are 
examples to be followed by the rising generations. From tlie boundaries of Canada 
to the GuU', and from the Atlantic to the Pacific, tokens of love and admiration of 
our martyr President have been sent by all the districts of our Union : laurel 
wreaths to crown the memory of the dead hero, and to testify our firm adherence 
to the principles that formed his life's struggle. The oak, with its heart, is an 
emblem of strength and perpetuity. May the cause for which Lincoln stood, 
struggled and died, be as strong as the oak at all times." 

The tablet was at once taken in charge by the secretary 
of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, who, as custodian of the 
monument, had it removed the next day to Memorial Hall, 
and a fine black walnut base fourteen inches high, put under 
it, in order to have it stand more firmly and that it might 
be sufficiently elevated to be seen to better advantage. In 
honoring Lincoln, the Germans have honored themselves, in 
placing this beautiful memento of their visit, where it is 
hoped that it will be seen and appreciated by a long line of 
pilgrims to this shrine of patriotism. 



226 THE LLXCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



DIVISION THIRTEENTH 

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SIX. 



Seventh Annual Meeting— Ee-EIection of Officers— Seventh Lincohi Memorial 
Pay — Programme — Memorial Sei-\aces at Grand Army Hall — Rain — Monument 
over the Grave of Lincoln's Father. 

The Lincoln Guard of Honoe, 
Reveee House, 
Friday, Feb. 12, 1886, 7:30 o'clock P. M, 

SEVENTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

Present— Dana, Power, Lindley, Johnson and Conkling. 

Absent— Reece, AViggins, Chapin and McNeill. 

Treasurer Lindley made his report, that there had been 
neither receipts nor expenditures since our last annual meet- 
ing, and that there was consequently the same amount in 
the treasury that there was then, |5.05. This was brought 
about by our having been relieved of any expense, as a so- 
ciety, on the last Lincoln Memorial Day, the citizens of 
Springfield and the Singing and Turner Societies having de- 
frayed the expenses, to which we contributed as citizens. On 
motion, it was resolved that the nine members comprising 
The Lincoln Guard of Honor be, and they are hereby, re- 
elected a Board of directors, to serve one year from this date, 
or until their successors are chosen. 

The Board of Directors proceeded to organize, which re- 
sulted in the election of — 

G. S. Dana, President; 

J. N. Reece, Vice-President; 

J. C. Power, Secretary; 

J. P. Lindley, Treasurer, 
of The Lincoln Guard of Honor for one year from this date, 
or until their successors are chosen. 

Adjourned, to meet at the call of the President. 



the lincoln guard of honor. 227 

Our Seventh Lincoln Memorial Service. 

The Lincoln Guakd of Honoe, 

Reveke House, 

Monday, April 12, 1886, 7;30 O'Clock P. M. 

CALLED MEETING. 

Present— Dana, Power, Lindley, Jolmsou, Conkling and Wig- 
gins. 

Absent— Keeee, Chapin and McNeill. 

]\Tinutes of last meeting were read and approved. 

Reports from all the committees preparing for Memorial 
Day resulted in the following — 



LINCOLN MEMORIAL DAY. 

PKOGKAlVrME OF THE SEVENTH MeMOKIAL SERVICE, 

To be held on the Twenty-first Anniversary of the Death of 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

Services will commence at half-past two o'clock, on the afternoon of Thursday 
April, 15, 1886, at the National Lincoln Monument, under the direction of 

THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

A cordial invitation is hereby extended to aU citizens, and the strangers who may 

be sojourning in the city, to be present and unite in the services. If 

the weather is inclement, the programme will be canied 

out at Grand Army Hall, at the same hour. 

ORDER OF EXERCISES. 

Peayee, - By Rev. Frances Springer, D. D., a retired Lutheran Clergyman, 

and Chaplain of Stepenson Post, No. 30, G. A. R., Springfield. 
Singing, - - By the Apollo Club, Fred. F. Fisher, Musical Director, with 

fourteen voices. 
Addeess, - - - . Hon. James A. Connolly, Springfield. 

Singing, - - - - - - By the ApoUo Club. 

Reading, - By James H. Rayhill, Professor ,of Elocution in Illinois College, 

Jacksonville. An original Poem by Miss Ida Scott Taylor, of Jacksonville, 111. 
Reading, - - By Mr. George H. Balch, of Lerna, III., an original poem, 

" Is Lincoln Dead ? " 
Singing, - - - - - - By the ApoUo Club. 

Reading, - By Clinton L. Conkling, a member of The Lincoln Guard of 

Honor, Springfield, a selection from Lincoln. 

Peayee ai^d Benediction, - By Rev. Charles Austrian, Minister of B'rith 

Sholom, Hebrew Temple, Springfield. 



228 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR, 

' The Lincoln Guabd of Honok, 
Thursday, April 15, ls86, 2:30 o'clock. ' 

Instead of meeting at the mouuraeut, the falhng rain made 
it necessary to accept the alternative provided for in the 
programme, and assemble at Grand Army Hall, east side 
of Pifth street, between Monroe and Adams streets. 

Present — Dana, Lindley, Johnson, Wiggins and Coukling. 

Absent — Our Vice-President, Gen. J. N. Keece, in command 
of our citizen soldiers at East Saint Louis, to prevent law- 
lessness by the striking railroad employes; Col. James F. 
McNeill was at his home in Oskaloosa, Iowa; Captain H. 
Chapin was at his home in Jacksonville, 111., and J. C. Power, 
Secretary, was detained by his duties at the monument until 
nearly the close of the service. 

There was also present a fair audience of citizens and 
strangers, with all who had accepted invitations to take part 
in the exercises. 

G. S. Dana, the President, as Master of Ceremonies, 
promptly at the time for opening the service, introduced Rev. 
Francis M. Springer, D. D., a retired Lutheran clergyman, 
who was an army chaplain during the war to suppress the 
rebellion, and is Chaplain of Stephenson Post No. 30, Grand 
Army of the Republic, who offered the following fervent 

INVOCATION : 

Thou Infinite One, our Creator ; Thou art revealed to the human race, but to 
none else, as "Our Father who art in Heaven." To Thee, therefore. Dear Father, 
is otu" worshipful approach at this horn". To Thee is the uplifting of our thoughts 
in thanksgiving praycjr. 

We thank Thee, O Lord, for the glance of Thine omniscience, the care of Thy 
wise providence, the favor of Thy forbearance, the condescension of Thy love, the 
grace of Thy forgiveness, and the assurance of everlasting life in Heaven. We 
thank Thee for country, this country, this fertile, varied, simny land which Thou 
madest long ages ago, countless as the stars. To Thee is due also devout thanks- 
gi\4ng for the discovery of America, at that juncture of human affairs wherein 
Christian faith drew upon its possessor the torture, the flame and the axe of per- 
secution. Hither didst Thy providence guide the frail fleet of Columbus ; that in 
generations soon coming, there might be asylum in the wilderness for Thy faithful 
ones holding fast the doctrines and promises of Thy Word. 

With sincerest thanks, O Lord, we recognize Thy good hand in raising up pru- 
dent, courageous, honest men, true to their fellow-men, and true to Thee, who, at 
sundry times and in divers emergencies, led the way of human progress to broader, 
purer and nobler attainments. To Thee is due the homage of our worshipful 
recognition also for Washington and Lincoln and their noble associates and 
helpers. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 229 

And now, Heavenly Father, we pray that the nation bom of faith in Tliy Word, 
may never cease to be to all the world an encouraging example of government liy 
the people, for the people. O God, our prayer is that our social and political 
organization may never be peiTerted to the destroying uses of anarchy, nor the 
polluting touch of treason. We pray that equal rights, universal education, indus- 
trial prosperity, intellectual achievement, moral purity, and loyalty to God, may 
always continue, and increase among all classes of our people. Preserve us, O 
Lord, in peace and firm union among ourselves, and peace with all nations. In all 
our differences, we invoke counsel of Thee, — that the brotherly inculcations of the 
gospel may never cease to end our clashes of interest, by just, honorable and 
peaceful arbitration. 

Hear us, O Lord, in these our thoughts of reverent, thankful and supphant wor- 
ship, for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 

President Dana then introduced the Apollo Club, consisting 
of Fred. F. Fisher, Musical Director ; first tenors, K. M. Patte- 
son, John Correia, John Fisher, Charles Dowe and Heiko 
Feldkamp ; second tenors, W. L. Patteson, Cass Epler, George 
J. Vieira and M. F. Wendling; first bass, Arther W. Yockner, 
W. E. Savage, Henry Abells and Richard Payne; second bass, 
L. S. Miller, Chas. F. Helmle, Thomas Bryce and Robert 
Tisdale; accompanist, Miss Maud Thayer. 

The Club then sang the Prayer from Freischuets, by Weber. 

Softy, softly, solemn measure, 
Soai' aloft to deepest azure, 
' God adoring and imploring, 
Rise to heaven, to heaven my prayer, . 

To heaven, my prayer, i 

To Thee praying, I am kneeUng, 
Lord eternal, now appealing, 
Us to shelter from all danger ; 
Send, oh send, thy'hosts of angels, 

Thy hosts of angels. 

Major James A. Connolly, of Springfield, was introduced, and 
delivered the following eloquent 

ORATION : 

This memorial occasion awakens memories too sad, too bitter to be spoken. The 
event it commemorates came like a funeral peal to mar the joyous tones of wedding 
bells — like a pall of midnight suddenly drawn over the bright face of noonday. 
The tired legions rested; the arms were stacked. One flag was folded never to be 
unfurled again ; the other, garlanded with victory, was kissed by the glad air in 
which it waved, the emblem of a nation disenthralled, saved — "the freeman's 
only hope and home." The sounds of war were hushed from the Potomac to the 
Rio Grande, and the flowers and grass of early spring had come to deck the graves 



230 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

of the heroic dead. The camps were vocal with songs of gladness, and the weary 
veterans were waiting for Father Abraham's word to return to their waiting homes. 

The joy of those homes were boundless, and life took on its brightest colors for 
the wives and famiUes who for years had been waiting, hoping, praying for this 
day of deUverance ; song and shout and glad acclaim were heard on every hand ; 
men grasped each other by the hand in silence, while tears of joy rolled down their 
faces, the bells rang out their merriest peals, business was suspended, and all 
thoughts of the great North were turned to welcome the new found peace. But 
suddenly, in the midst of all these scenes of joy and triumph, as a lightning flash 
in a cloudless sky, came the fall of Lincoln by the assassin's hand, and all the joy 
was turned to sadness, a sorrow too deep and bitter at first for words, the nation 
was struck dumb, and silence fell on all the land; then came the bugle notes of the 
assembly, and the old battalions formed again in silence, the stacked arms were 
seized, and mutterings of a vengeance more fearful than had ever stirred those 
veteran ranks before, now were heard where the songs of peace awoke the echoes 
but an hour before. Never was an army so tried, never a people so rudely shocked. 

From the plain country lawyer, at the beginning of the struggle, regarded by 
the world as an accident of American politics, eclipsed by the matured reputation 
of practical statesmen who sun-ounded him, Lincoln had gradually, without art 
or ai'tifice, won his way to the hearts of the people at home and the soldiers in the 
field, the most brilliant statesmen of his day gradually paled before him, as the 
brightest stars pale before the rising sun; and even the dazzling brilliancy of re- 
nown, which victory brought to successful leaders in the field, made them only 
second to Lincoln in the esteem of all ; he had impressed himself aUke upon the 
head and the heart not only of his countrymen but of the world ; the crude unwis- 
dom which he was thought to have brought to the administration of national 
affairs, when submitted to the friction of the times, like the diamond, was polished, 
until it dazzled the doubters, first into silence, then into praise. Untroubled by 
ostentatious dignity and unvexed by ambition, the world saw him, with equal ease, 
reach the lowest depths or the greatest heights of humanity, and all his public 
career was so illuminated by a kind, genial, loving human nature, that the diplo- 
mats of Europe, the statesmen of America, the leaders of action everywhere, as 
well as the masses of the people, had come to love him for his kindly nature. In 
diplomacy, a master; in depoilment, an exemplar; in speech, a model; he had 
come to be a standard for other men to be measured by. The world looked on in 
wonder to see how his human nature, unspoiled by his surroundings, kept gleams 
of sunshine ever ready to break through upon his dai-kest hours — to see him with 
sad face, but courageous heart and wise head, confront the dangers of his time, 
and, when all others stood dismayed, quietly rise superior to the storm and control 
it — to see him at times, almost alone, with hand on helm and watchful eye, when 
night and stoim and darkness, in their wondrous strength, threatened destruction. 
His simple faith in the triumph of the right had come to be to the people "as the 
shadow of a great rock in a weary land." 

Surrounded by those who wielded power, he never forgot or lost faith in the 
plain people from whom the power came; his ear was always open to their plead- 
ings, and the letter of a heart-broken wife or mother, on behalf of a wounded hus- 
band or son, claimed his attention more promptly than a| state paper from the 
Court of St. James. 

His thoughts followed the soldier boys in their marches and battles; into the 
trenches and up the bristling heights of Vicksburg; into the clouds at Lookout; on 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR, 231 

the bloody fields of Chickamauga and Shiloh; on the death-swept heights of Get- 
tysburg; at Bull Run, Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, Chancellorsville, the Shenandoah, 
and the deadlj' Wilderness, at Libby and Andersonville; and, through it all, his sim- 
ple faith and kindly human sympathy gradually drew the heart of the army to 
him, so that, in their hour of victory, they coupled the name of Father Abraham 
with their songs of triumph, and when sickness, wounds and defeat came, some- 
how the spirit of his kindly, hopeful human nature reached them in hospital, or on 
the retreat, or as they lay wounded and thirsting with the awful thirst of the 
wounded soldier, and through it all that spirit came as a solace and a bahn; from 
his heart to every soldier's heart sti'etched chords of sympathy, and the assassin's 
pistol failed to sever them; from every soldier's heart to Lincoln's grave they 
stretch, and all the kindly feeUng of the olden time is awakened as they gather 
around his tomb. 

When he fell then in the supreme moment of triumph, his heaii; full of kindly 
feelings for the vanquished, and sympathy for the sufferers, when the people of the 
north saw him thus wantonly struck down, and the army saw their ideal father 
hurried to his death by an assassin, can it be wondered that the public heart stood 
still ; that the ranks of the army were reformed ; that the stacked muskets were 
grasped again ; that the harsh notes of war rang out again before the echoes of 
the songs of peace had died away ; that the bright and joyous homes of the North 
were again darkened with a grief more poignant than before because it tread so 
closely on the heels of joy? 

And not only was this tiiie in the homes of the North, but in the desolate homes 
of the South as well, homes already darkened by tlie loss of loved ones and 
shrouded in the gloom of a terrible defeat. Sitting as they were already, amid the 
ashes and ruins of all they fought for and hoped for, with life only left, to brood in 
hopeless sorrow over their fruitless sti-uggle their folded bamiers and their fallen 
cause, the gleam of peace which had come to them was brightened by the sunshine 
of kindly sympathy which they, with all the world, had found in Lincoln's nature, 
and his hand was already stretching out to them in their darkness and desolation ; 
his very nature spanned their darkened skies as a rainbow, bidding them hope ; 
in their shipwreck the friendly sail that was bearing down on them to answer their 
signals of distress was suddenly sunk to the .bottom, and they felt themselves 
adrift upon an ocean of ruin with no friendly sail in sight. 

They surely were left to taste the bitterest fruit of unholy ambition, we to endure 
a sorrow more keen than any people ever felt ; und the armj^ to exercise a self- 
restraint such as no army ever did before. The palms of victory came to Lincoln 
but they were borne to him by the hand of dea^h. The nation muumed him as it 
never mourned one before. It was not a mei'e official mourning, but each one felt 
it as a personal bereavement. The shadow of death entered every household, and 
its sable drapery covered everj' door post. 

His life was and is a marvel. Honesty, integrity and simplicity were the jewels 
of that life. In origin humble, in ways simple, without grace of face and form, 
unskilled in standard state-craft, or in the learning of the schools, he moved through 
life a plain, sad-faced man, but master of all who came within the magic circle oi' 
his witchery, a circle more potent than Richelieu's. He personally won men to 
him, and those who came in contact with him felt the spell and submitted to its 
thraldom, led by the invisible chords of his mai-velous power. He felt his way to 
the heart and the judgment of all. He thought as the average man thinks, he 
reasoned as the average man reasons. No elevation or success moved him. His 



232 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

nature was a strong adamant to endure all vicissitudes unchanged, but with it was 
mixed a kindly humor like the flowering vine that cUmbs the rocky mountain face 
that gave him a wonderful zest and spai-kle, and served him as an AUadin's lamp 
to open to him all the chambers and all the treasures of the hearts of his fellows. 
In his genial presence: 

"The nights were full of music. 

And the cares that infest the day, 
Folded their tents like the Arabs, 

And silently stole away." 

As well might the hasheesh eater attempt to analyze the seductive influence as 
for those who felt the speU of Lincoln's voice and presence to say where and what 
it was. Others were more poUshed, learned and graceful, but he attracted even 
the pohshed, learned and graceful, and made them forget themselves while hsten- 
ing to him. His power over men was subtle as thought, winning as the love-light 
in the eye of woman, and happy as the smile that ripples over the face of sleeping 
infancy. 

Though humble in his origin, the world and histoiy care no more for his origin 
than for that of Ceesar, Alexander or Washington. He marked an epoch in history 
from which men may be measured and events dated. He has become a source 
himself, as in tracing titles, beyond which it were vain to go. His patent of no- 
bihty came from on high, and no rules of heraldrj' can impeach it. He commenced 
an era. He is one of the world's corner stones marking the boundary Une between 
freedom and slavery. In the world's Pantheon he holds the place of honor in modem 
times. His name is linked with every story of the war. His features are engraved 
in the heait of everv soldier. His name was mingled with the shouts of victory 
on every battlefield where the Union ai-mies triumphed, and Lincoln and hberty 
are synonyms in the humble cabins of a nation by him set free. His name is pre- 
served in our history, his memory embalmed in our literature, and his acts presei-ved 
In our laws and institutions. As President of the Republic he was an example of 
the simplicity designed by its founders, and as a faitliful public servant, forgetful 
of self, unstained by power, undismayed by defeat, unchanged by success, and 
thoughtful of the people from whom power comes, he was worthy the emulation 
of all who may follow him. 

" When his work was done, with his name on every tongue, his sunshine on 
every heart that came within his reach, his homely words engraved on all good 
hearts, and his memory a treasure for all mankind, he closes his pure and simple 
life, and carrying, unstained, the jewels of honesty, integrity and simphcitj' which 
were the working tools of his life, he laid them before the great white throne, and 
with him came the tears of joy and songs of praise for their dehverance from 
millions of God's sable children on earth." 

The Appollo Club then sang "America" with the finest effect. 

James H. Kayhill, of Jacksonville, Professor of Elocution 
in Illinois College, also in the Young Ladies Atheneum, then 
read an original poem written for the occasion. He prefaced 
the reading by stating that he had called on a j^oung lady 
the Friday before and asked her to write a poem for him to 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 233 

read on Lincoln Memorial Day, and that it was completed 
tlie next evening. He then read, with elocutionary precision, 

OUR ELOQUENT DEAD, 

BY MISS IDA SCOTT TAYLOK. 

Again, where the flag of our Nation is spread, 

We stand by the tomb of our eloquent dead ; 

And hnked with the love that has bound us for years, 

Tread softly the spot that is hallowed by teai's. 

Yea, hallowed by memories, tender and true, 

That breathe forth their sweets like a rose dipped in dew, 

And bum in the heart as if written in gold— 

Too sacred to utter, to dear to be told. 

He sleeps in his rest hke a shaft that is cleft ; 
A reed that is broken ; an unfinished weft ; 
A tree that is stricken and crushed by the gale ; 
A ship driven seaward, devoid of its sail. 

He sleeps like a martyr who died in his prime— 
His deeds written down in the annals of time — 
And gathered about him we honor his dust. 
Our Abraham Lincoln, the noble and just ! 

0, Slavery ! why did America wear 
Thy frown, hke the gloom of an awful despau-? 
And why did she bow her proud head at thy slirine, 
Nor feel the sweet pity which seems half divine? 

'0, why did she, crowned like a queen on her throne, 
Sit crushed like a being unloved and alone, — 
Her garments dyed red with the blood of her sons, 
Her quietude broken by clamor and guns? 

The graves of our heroes have sprinkled the earth. 
The sound of their anguish breaks in on our mirth. 
And oft in the silence of sorrow and pain 
"We grieve for some dear one who sleeps with the slain. 

Our hearts seek them out with a desolate cry — 
We picture each face with a lingering sigh, 
And turn, full of tears, to the sword at our side ; 
'Twas all for their country these patriots died ! 

0, Slavery! Abraham Lincoln, the brave, 
■ Reached out in his pity our nation to save, 
He struck the fell blow that was death unto thee ; 
That blow, praise the Lord! made America free! 

Ah, could we forget what our Lincoln has done? 
America claims him with rev'rence, her son ; 
She points to his tomb with a feeUng of pride, 
And stands Uke a guardian saint at its side. 

—15 



234 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

And Freedom, the dignified daugliter of Peace, 
Each yeai' sliall his merited praises increase ; 
The smi shall turn cold and its light fade away 
Ere the world shall forget him we honor to-day. 

How modest, forgiving and gentle he was ; 
How slow to condemn, without heaviest cause ; 
How read}^ to succor the helpless and weak ; 
In deep provocation — how careful to speak! 

How honors became him! Nor did he once boast, 
Tho' placed at the head of America's host ; 
In ev'ry position the world was impressed. 
That Abraham Lincoln was doing his best. 

He honored the White House — this man among men — 
As others have honored it often, since then ; 
Aye, greater than all has he proven to be. 
By setting the fettered and helpless ones free. 

O, liberty! wave thy glad colors on high! 
We'll stand by the flag, or we'll perish and die! 
Wave, wave its bright folds till they tenderly spread 
A mantle of love o'er oui' eloquent dead. 

"With malice towards none ;" let his motto be ours, 
We'll try to protect it with all of our powers ; 
We'll try to enact it, tho' short we may fall, 
Kemembering that "charity" crowneth it all. 

We turn to the past with a sadness to-day ; 
A score and one years since we laid him away! 
A score and one years have passed over our land 
Since he was cut do\\Ti by a merciless hand! 

We mourned for him then, and we mourn for him still, 
Such vacancies left are not easy to fill; 
Such natures as his. Ah! but rarely we find, 
Where gentle aess, genius and love are combined. 

Oh! statesman and ruler! Sleep on in thy tomb, 
While April is bursting with leaf and with bloom! 
The glad resuiTection Spring-time is here. 
And nature is glowing 'mid sunlight and tear. 

Sleep on ; take thy rest ; for the burden of hfe 
Shall never oppress thee with sorrow and strife. 
But peaceful and calm, as a river that flows, 
Thy sleep shall go on in its silent repose. 

We'll never forget thee, tho' seasons decay ; 
Our love shall increase as the years drift away, 
And turning our e3'es to the records of Fame 
W^e'll feel the old thrill, as we glance at thy name. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 235 

Yes, lift up the flag! Let its stripes and its stars 
Be lieralds of peace — and not bloodslied and war! 
Again let its colors be loyally spread 
O'er Abi'aham Lincoln, our eloquent dead! 
jACKSONViiiiiE, III., April 15, 1886. 

Major J. A. Connolly called the attention of The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor to the fact that there was a gentleman 
residing- at Lerna, Coles county, Illinois, who had written 
something worthy to be read at the tomb of Lincoln, and 
form part of our Memorial service. We extended to him an 
invitation to come and read it. We all feel like thanking Mr. 
Connolly' for his intervention. This gentleman was next in- 
troduced, and read : 

IS LINCOLN DEAD? 

BY GEO. B. BALCH. 

Is Lincoln dead? What means this solemn throng? 

This drapeiy and this funeral song ? 

What mean these gathering bands of soldiers brave? 

Come they to weep around their chieftain's grave? 

And is he dead? 'Tis true the crumbUng urn 

In which his lofty spirit used to burn, 

Within this mausoleum vast must stay, 

'Till angels come and roll these stones away; 

But even death is powerless to bind 

With bolts and granite walls so great a mind! 

The vile of earth in unknown graves may lie, 

But Lincoln and his deeds will never die. 

He hves in every patriot's heaii; enshrined, 
A stai' of hope to all as slaves confined. 
Inspiring all the weaiy sons of toil 
To win the race and gain the victor's spoil. 
His deeds, deep burned on history's fairest page, 
Will brighter shine in each succeeding age, 
And nations yet to be wiU shout his name, 
And future bards arise to spread his fame. 
"Lincoln" will be the watchword of the brave 
On every field where freedom's flag shall wave. 
And down thro' all the cycles yet to come. 
His name will gladden many a heart and home. 

When freedom's bells rang out upon the air 

Like roar of Uons in some loft}^ lair, 

Proclaiming loud to all beneath the skies 

That "Truth, 'tlio' crushed to eaith, woidd soon ai'ise: " 



236 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

Pealing in lythmic notes, from shore to shore, 
The joyful news that treason was no more; 
That God, by him, a wondrous work had done — 
A house, divided, had been joined in one — 
'Twas Lincoln's voice we heai-d, the bells were still 
Had he possessed a less heroic will. 

And down among the fields of cane and com 
The hounds are hushed, and hushed the waking horn; 
Decay and i-ust have claimed the cruel chain. 
At rest the lash, and crushed the cries of pain. 
The hound, the horn, the lash, the cries, the tears, 
Were buried 'neath the sweeping flood of years; 
And shouts as if the brazen gates of hell 
From off their massive hinges swung and fell. 

And those so long in chains and darkness there. 

Had once more breathed sweet freedom's balmy air, 

Arose from all the liberated throng 

" Like sound of many waters " joined in song. 

'Twas Lincoln's voice, the slave were still a slave 

Had he not stretched his generous arms to save! 

His voice still rings in Freedoiu's jubilee. 

As sung by those his matchless will made free. 

Our starry flag were in the dust to-day, 
Had he, like others, basely turned away. 
Its stars were wandering orbs in unknown space, 
Had he not fixed them in their changeless place; 
The brightest gem in all the shining host. 
Without his matchless power the rest were lost, 
But now they brightly beam o'er all the laud, 
He Orion fair, they his shining band. 

But here he sleeps the sleep that waits us all, 
That knows no waking tiU the tnimpet call. 
Walk softly, then, for here the angels stay, 
Whom Heaven appoints to watch the sleeping clay. 
Here love keeps constant vigil o'er his dust. 
And guards with sleepless eyes her sacred tmst; 
And it is well to keep, with ceaseless care, 
A casket which contains a gem so rare. 

At morning's early dawa, may sweet perfume 
From fi-agrant flower embahn this honored tomb, 
While warbling wild birds' sweetest songs arise 
In morning anthems to the bending skies. 
Else, flUed with sadness, may they cease to sing, 
And pass this sacred place on silent wing. 

At noon, may softest sunbeams kiss the place 
Where sleeps the noblest of our age and race. 
While trees of fadeless green their shadows spread 
Around this silent mansion of our miglity dead. 



THE LINCOLN GUATJD OF HONOR. 



237 



May silent dews descend from evening skies, 
And all this monumental pile baptize, 
Wliile all the stars in silent wonder gaze 
Upon the homage man to greatness pays. 

When midnight hangs her sable curtains 'round 
This silent sepulcher and hallowed ground, 
May naught be heard except the ceaseless tread 
Of those who keep this palace of the dead; 
Witli sleepless eyes, may they their vigils keep 
"While o'er his tomb Pleiades shall weep. 

But tho' these stones may sink beneath the sod. 
Yet Lincoln lives, and dwells in Lght with God;' 
A seraph, winged, he waits before the face 
Of Him whose awful presence fills aU space. 
He still broods o'er this free, united land. 
Bearing sweet olive branches in his hand; 
And, as he wings the continent, he cries: 
"Arise! fairest of all lands, arise, 
Thy higher, nobler calling to fulfiU; 
A grander destiny awaits thee stiU! 
Light thou the path of all who dare be free, 
And live for God and crushed humanity." 

There is a matter, not on the programme, that it seems 
highly appropriate should be introduced here. After the monu- 
ment was erected to the memory of President Lincoln, at 
Springfield, Illinois, the grave of his father, Thomas Lincoln, 
was without a name. It is in a country place called the Gor- 
don Graveyard, surrounding a small Cumberland Presbyterian 
Church, situated about twelve miles southeast of Mattoon, in 
Coles county, Ilhnois. The writer is assured, by one who 
knows all the circumstances, that the last act of Mr. Lincoln, 
before leaving Illinois to take his seat in Washington as 
President, was to visit his father's grave, and while there he 
placed money in the hands of a certain party to have a monu- 
ment erected'. The money was never used for the purpose, 
and Mr. Lincoln was never apprised of the neglect. In 1876, 
a poem was written and circulated in the neighborhood, 
entitled 

THE GRAVE OF THE FATHER OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

BY GEOEGE B. BALCH. 

In a low sweet vale, by a murmuring rill, 

The pioneer's ashes are sleeping ; 
Where the white marble shafts, so lonely and stiU, 
' In silence their vigils are keeping. 



238 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

On their sad lonely faces are words of fame, 

But none of them speak of his glory ; 
When the pioneer died, his age and his name. 

No monument whispers the story. 

No myrtle, nor ivy, nor hyacinth blows, 
O'er the lonely place where they laid him ; 

No cedar, nor holly, nor almond tree grows 
Near the Plebian's grave, to shade him. 

Bright evergreens wave over many a grave, 

O'er some bows the sad weeping willow ; 
But no willow trees bow, nor evergreens wave, 

Where the pioneer sleeps on his pillow. 

While some are inhumed with the honors of State, 

And placed beneath temples to moulder ; 
The grave of the father of Lincoln, the great, 

Is known by a hillock and boulder. 

Let him take his lone sleep, and quietly rest, 

With naught to disturb or awake him ; 
When the angels descend to gather the blest, 

To Abraham's bosom they'll take him. 

Like the frosted leaf, or the evening gray, 

The old pioneers are passing away ; 
The few who still battle with hfe's troubled wave, 

Are white for the harvest, are ripe for the grave. 

The publication of the above poem stirred the people up to 
raise money for the purpose, of which Robert T. Lincoln con- 
tributed flOO, and a very neat monument of ^vhite marble 
was erected over the hitherto neglected grave. (See the in- 
scription.) 

The boulder spoken of at the end of the fifth verse was 
placed on the grave by President Lincoln at his last visit, 
and remained there until the monument was erected, when it 
was carried off by some relic-seekers from Chicago. 

AVhile Mr. Balch was in Springfield attending the Lincoln 
memorial services, he voluntarily promised the writer that 
he would have a picture made of the monument over the 
grave of President Lincoln's father, and deposit it as a me- 
mento, in Memorial Hall of the National Lincoln Monument 
here. He had the picture made in June, and at the sugges- 
tion of the artist, very properly had his own likeness taken, 
standing a short distance from the monument. He very 
much desired to present it here in person, but before a copy 
could be finished he sickened, and after lingering some weeks, 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



2a9 






GRAVE OF THOMAS LINCOLN. 



240 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

death reached forth its sickle and claimed him for its own.; 
He died September 4, 1886, ~ at his home near Lerna, Coles 
county, Illinois. The artist, knowing the. intentions of Mr. 
Balch, sent the picture to the custodian of the monument, 
with the following- note, which explains itself: 

Mattoon, Iiiii., September 6, 1886. 
Mk. J. C. Power, Dear Sir — I am very sorry to inform you of the death of 
IVIr. George B. Balch, the poet. He died Saturday, at 7 o'clock P. M., and was 
buried yesterday. So it devolves on me to send you the picture in which he was 
so much interested. I made it in June, and Mi'. Balch's desire was to take it to 
Springfield in person. Yours truly, 

George Bradshaw. 

The last, or seventh verse, was added to the poem after the 
monument was erected, and the negative for the picture taken 
ten years after the other six verses had been written. The 
very day the author penned it he was taken with what proved 
to be his fatal illness, and they are probably the last words 
he ever wrote. Mr. Bradshaw, in sending the picture and 
speaking of the disappointment of Mr. Balch in not being per- 
mitted to come to Springfield with it, says: "I am glad I 
made it as I did, because Geo. B. Balch was a grand, good 
man, whose moral and intellectual worth cannot be over- 
estimated." He was for many years a ruling elder in the 
Presbyterian Church. He was known to be deeplv religious 
and ardently patriotic, and he breathes both into his poetry. 

The same remark may be truthfully applied to the poem, 
"Is Lincoln Dead," by Balch, that is made of another, read 
at a former memorial service, "That it is worthy to live with 
the best that has been written about Lincoln." When Mr. 
Balch finished reading his poem, the Apollo Club sang the 
following 

DIRGE. 

How blest are they whose honored years 

Pass like an evening meteor's flight ; 

Not dark with guilt, nor dim with tears 

Whose course is short, is short, unclouded bright ! 

Oh, cheerless were our lengthened way, 

But heaven's own light dispels, dispels the gloom ; 

Sti'eams flowing downwaixl from day eternal ; 

And cast a glory around the tomb. 

Oh, stay thy tears, the blest above 

Have hailed a spirit's heavenly birth, 

And sung a song of joy and love ; 

Then why should anguish, why should it reign on earth? 



THE Lincoln guard of honor. 241 

In compliance witli the established rule that at least one 
member of The Lincoln Guard of Honor shall take part in 
every memorial service, Clinton L. Conkling- read the follow- 
ing" from Raymond's Life of Lincoln: 

On the 21st of March, 1864, a committee from the Workingmen's Association of 
the city of New York, waited upon the President and delivered an address, stating 
the general objects and purposes of the association, and requesting that he would 
allow liis name to be enrolled among its lionorary members. From tlie President's 
replj' to this address I make the following extracts : (He himself quotes largely 
from his message to Congress in December, 1861.) 

"Gentlemen of the Committee: The honorary membership of your associ- 
ation, so generously tendered, is gratefully accepted. ***** 

"There is one point to which I ask a brief attention. It is the effort to place 
capital on an equal footing, if not above labor, in the structure of government. It 
is assumed that labor is available only in connection with capital ; that nobody 
labors unless somebody else, owning capital, somehow by the use of it induces 
him to labor. This assumed, it is next considered whether it is best that capital 
shall hire laborers, and thus induce them to work by their own consent, or buy 
them, and drive them to do it without their consent. Having proceeded so far, 
it is natui'ally concluded that all laborers are either hired laborers, or what we call 
slaves. And, further, it is assumed that whoever is once a hired laborer, is fixed 
in that condition for life. Now there is no such relation between capital and labor 
as assumed, nor is there any such thing as a free man being fixed for life in the 
condition of a hired laborer. Both these assumptions are false, and all inferences 
from them are groundless. 

"Labor is prior to, and independent of, capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor 
and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior 
of capital, and desei-ves mucli the higher consideration. Capital has its rights 
which are as worthy of protection as any other rights. Nor is it denied that there 
is, and probably always will be, a relation between capital and labor, producing 
mutual benefits. * * * * 

"There is not, of necessity, any such thing as the free hired laborer being fixed 
to that condition for Ufe. Many independent men everywhere in these States, a 
few years back in their hves, were hired laborers. The prudent, penniless begin- 
ner in the world labors for wages a while, saves a surplus with which to buy tools 
or land for himself, then labors on his own accomit another while, and at length 
hires another new beginner to help him. This is the just and generous and pros- 
perous system which opens the way to all, gives hope to all, and consequent 
energy and progress, and improvement of condition to aU. No men living are 
more worthy to be trusted than those who toil up from poverty — none less incHned 
to touch or take aught which they have not honestly earned. Let them beware of 
suirendering a political power they alreadj^ possess, and which, if suiTendered^ 
will surely be used to close the door of advancement against such as they, and to 
fix new disabilities and burdens upon them, till all of liberty shall be lost. * * * 

"None are so deeply interested to resist the present rebellion as the working 
people. Let them beware of prejudices, working division and hostility among 
themselves. The sti'ongest bond of human sympathy, outside of the family rela- 
tion, should be one uniting all working people, of aU nations, and tongues, and 
kindreds. 



242 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

"Nor should this lead to a wai' upon property, or the owners of property. Prop- 
erty is the fruit of labor ; property is desirable ; is a positive good in the world. 
That some should be rich shows that others may become rich, and hence is just 
encouragement to industry and enterprises. Let not him who is houseless pull 
down the house of another, but let him labor diligently and build one for himself, 
thus by example assuring that his own shall be safe from violence when built." 

On being introduced, the closing prayer and benediction 
was offered by Rev. Charles Austrian, Rabbi of the B'rith 
Sholom congregation, Hebrew temple, Springfield. 

Tears are all in vain over the remembrance this day recalls. They cannot 
efface the sorrow, nor heal the wound father Abraham's death left on our hearts. 
Our thoughts are especially directed towards him on this day ; his love and his 
kindness are again vividly presented to our minds. We will ever devote this 
anniversary to honor his memory, and render it useful to us by deeds of charity, 
compassion and mercy towards others, and by offering fei-vent prayers to Almighty 
God for the happy repose of his spirit. And Thou, God of mercy, who ait the 
Lord of the living and the dead, deign to hearken to thy children's prayer for the 
repose of this great father's soul. We beseech Thee, O Lord, extend to him Thy 
mercy and forgiveness, since the most righteous are not without sin. Receive 
him in Thy dwelling place among those who have done Thy will, so that he may 
enjoy the blessings reserved for Thy holy ones, who have Uved on earth. Monu- 
ments of stone may decay and vanish, but his illustrious name wiU be forever en- 
graven in the deepest rcesses of our hearts. 0, may there also be repose granted 
to all the dear and beloved souls gathered in yonder fields. The spirit of God 
may lead them into the fields of eternal happiness and peace. May the blessing of 
Divine Providence rest upon you all congregated here. The Lord bless and pre- 
serve you. The Lord cause his countenance to shine upon you and be gracious 
unto you. The Lord hft up his countenance and grant you peace. May peace 
abide within your walls, prosperity and happiness within your habitations. Amen. 



Th5 Lincoln Guakd of Honoe, 
LeXiAnd Hotel, Monday, Apsil 19, 1886, 
7:30 o'clock P. M. 

CALLED MEETING. 

Present— Dana, Power, Lindley, Johnson, Wiggins and 
Conkling. 

Absent— Reece, McNeill and Chapin. 

Bills for printing programmes and for flowers, amounting 
to 15.50, were ordered to be paid. 

Secretary was ordered to transmit a resolution of thanks, 
with our seal attached, to each, for the assistance rendered 
in our late Memorial Service, to Rev. Francis Springer, D. I)., 



THE LINCOLN GUAUD OF HONOR. 243 

to Fred. F. Fisher, musical director, and the members of the 
Apollo Club; to Hon. James A. Connolly; to Miss Ida Scott 
Taylor; to Pi'of. James H. Rayhill; to Mr. Geo. B. Balch; 
to Rev. Charles Austrian; and to the Grand Army of the 
Republic for use of their Hall. 

The feeling was unanimous that, before another annual 
meeting-, a public statement should be made of the causes 
(heretofore secret) which led to the organization of The Lin- 
coln Guard of Honor, and that we should either discontinue 
some of our arduous labors or increase the number of our 
members. 



244 THE LINCOLN aUARD OF HONOR. 



DIVISION FOURTEENTH, 

EIGHTEEN HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-SEVEN. 



Eighth Annual Meeting, and Eighth Lincoln Memorial Sei-vice— The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor Assess Themselves Five Dollars Each to Defray the Expenses- 
Lincoln Monument Association give Their Assent to the Proposition to 
Exhume the Body of the President from its Temporary Burial Place and to 
Bury it Permanently— Programme— Oration by Bishop Seymour— Oration 
by Hon. W. H. CoUius. 



The Lincoln Guard of Honoe, , 

Eeveee House, 
Saturday, Feb. 12, 1887, 7:30 o'clock P. M. 

EIGHTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

Present— Dana, Power, Lindley and Johnson. 

Absent — Eeece, Wiggins, Conkling, Chapin and jNIcNeill. 

All the officers were re-elected for one year, or until their 
successors are chosen. 

G. S. Dana, President. 

J. N. Eeece, Vice-President. 

J. C. Power, Secretary. 

J. P. Lindley, Treasurer. 

It was mutually agreed that we would observe the twenty- 
second anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln, April 
15th next, as Lincoln Memoral Day, but leave the hour and 
programme to be determined at a future meeting. 

It was also mutually agreed, at the suggestion of Mr. Lind- 
ley, by the members present, that with the concurrence of the 
absent ones, each of our nine members will contribute five 
dollars to defray the expenses of our Eighth Memorial Service. 

Adjourned to meet at the call of the President. 



the lincoln guard of honor. 245 

Our Eighth Lincoln Memorial Service. 

The Lincoln Gxjakd of Honoe, 

Leland Hotel, 

Tuesday, Mar. 22, 1887, 7:30 o'clock P. M. 

CALLED MEETING. 

Present — Dana, Eeece, Power, Lindley, Chapiu, Wiggins and 
Johnson. 

Absent^ — McNeill and Conkling. 

Minutes of our last, which was our eighth, annual meeting 
read and approved. 

The Secretary reported that, with the approval of President 
Dana, he had invited Bishop Seymour, of the Protestant 
Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, to deliver the principal ad- 
dress at our next Lincoln Memorial service, and that the in- 
vitation had been accepted. 

The Secretary was instructed to send an invitation to Hon. 
W. H. Collins to deliver the second address on Memorial Day. 
He was also instructed to extend an invitation to Mrs. E. S. 
Johnson to read a selection of her own on jNIemorial Day. 

The Secretary reported that he had obtained written con- 
sent of every member of the Executive Committee of the Lin- 
coln INIonument Association, to have the body of President 
Lincoln exhumed and buried in the catacomb under the sar- 
cophagus, and the body of Mrs. Lincoln by his side on the 
east. He had done this in order that The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor might be relieved of any further care, responsibility or 
secrecy in the matter. His actions were approved by the 
members present, and the hope expressed that the re-burial 
might be accomplished before Memorial Day. 

In view of the probability that the remains of Mr. and Mrs. 
Lincoln would be re-buried, making more or less rubbish in 
and about the catacomb, and to avoid being driven to seek 
shelter, in the event of the weather being stormy, the Secre- 
tary was instructed to prepare a paper, under seal of The 
Lincoln Guard of Honor, asking for the use of Representa- 
tive Hall, in the State Capitol, in w^hich to hold our memorial 
service April loth. Mr. Wiggins was made a special commit- 
tee to present the paper and secure the Hall. 

It was ascertained that all the members approved the propo- 
sition to contribute five dollars each to defray the expenses 



246 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

of our approaching memorial service. The amounts were to 
be paid to the Treasurer without further delay. 
Adjourned to meet at the call of the President. 

The Lincoln Guaed of Honoe, 
Leland Hotel, 
Monday, April 8, 1887, 7:30 O'clock P. M. 

CALLED MEETING. 

Present— Reece, Power, Lindley, Johnson, Chapin, Wiggins 
and Conkling. 

Absent— Dana and McNeill, both out of the State. 

Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. 

Secretary reported that Hon. ^Y. H. Callins had accepted 
the invitation to deliver the second address ; that Mrs. John- 
son had accepted the invitation to read a selection of her 
own; and that the use of Representatives Hall had been 
granted by a vote of the House, to The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor, for holding our Eighth Memorial Service. 

Secretary reported that Rev. Dr. McElroy of the First M. 
E. Church had been invited to offer the opening prayer, and 
Rev. Dr. Johnson of the Second Presbyterian Church had 
been invited to offer the closing prayer and benediction, on 
Lincoln Memorial Day, and that both had accepted. 

The following programme was arranged, and 500 copies 
ordered to be printed: 

LINCOLN MEMOEIAL DAY. 

Peogeamme of the Eighth MemoeiaIj Seevice, 

To be held on the Twenty-second Anniversary of the Death of 

ABEAHAM LINCOLN. 

Services will commence at two o'clock, on the afternoon of Friday, April 15, 

1887, in Representatives' Hall at the State Capitol, under the direction of 

THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

A cordial invitation is hereby extended to aU citizens, and the strangers who may 

be sojom'ning in the city, to be present and unite in the services. 

ORDER OF EXERCISES. 
Peayee, - By Rev. N. W. McElroy, D. D., Pastor of the First M. E. Church 

Springfield. 

Singing by Quaetette — " Come Unto Me," ... Chandler. 

Mrs. E. Huntington Henkle, Mrs. Frank W. Wellman, Mr. Frank H. Jones, 

Mr. Chas. S. CroweU. 

. Addeess, - - By the Right Rev. George F. Seymour, S. T. D., LL. D., 

Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 247 

Reading, - - By Mrs. E. S. Johnson, wife of one of our Members. 

SoiiO — " The Tear," ---_.. Stigelli. 

Mrs. E. Huntington Henke. 
Address, - By Hon. W. H. Collins, of Quincy, a Member of the IlUnois 

House of Representatives. 
Reading, - - - By Chnton L. Conkling one of our members. 

A historical paper on the labors of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, in guard- 
ing against vandal hands the remains of Abraham Lincoln. 
Duet— " Abide With Me," . . . . . Donizetti. 

Mrs. Henkle and Mr. Frank Jones. 
Pkayeb and Benediction, - By Rev. D. S. Johnson, D. D., Pastor of the 
Second Presbyterian Church of Springfield. 

The Lincoln Guaed of Honor, 
Memorial Hall, National Lincoln Monument, 
Thursday, April 14, 1887, 9 o'clock A. M. 

SPECIAL MEETING. 

Present — Reece, Power, Lindley, Johnsou, Wiggins, Chapin, 
and Conkling. 

Absent — Dana and McNeill. 

Arrangements were previously made between The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor and the Executive Committee of the Lincoln 
]\Ionument Association, for exhuming and reburying the 
bodies of President and Mrs. Lincoln. In pursuance of that 
object, the Secretary of the L. G. of H. sent a written notice 
of the hour to begin the removal, to each member of the 
Lincoln Monument Association. The Secretary, as Custodian 
of the Monument, had previously caused a vault or receptacle 
to be prepared in the catacomb for the bodies. In addition 
to our own seven members, and six members of the Monu- 
ment Association, there were present, our Secretary, being the 
Custodian of the Monument, and his assistant, Geo. W. 
Trotter; the sexton or superintendent of Oak Ridge Cemetery, 
Mr. Meredith Cooper; the undertaker, Mr. Thos. C. Smith, 
who prepared the body for sepulture when it was put in the 
Monument in 1871; Leon P. Hopkins, a plumber; J. O. Irwin, 
the builder of the receptacle in the catacomb, with his me- 
chanics and laborers — in all about twenty persons. 

AVhen everything was read^^, The Lincoln Guard of Honor 
led the way to the spot marked B, in the ground plan, where 
the bodies were exhumed and conveyed to Memorial Hall. 



248 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

The Lincoln Guard of Honor, in a brief address by Vice Presi- 
dent Reece, formally returned the bodies to the Lincoln Monu- 
ment Association. The Monument Association then and there 
caused the coffin of President Lincoln to be opened, when the 
features were identified, beyond a doubt, by every one present 
w^ho had ever seen him in life. A certificate to that effect was 
prepared and sioned by the six members present of the Lin- 
coln Monument Association. 

That terminated what had been for years a sacred trust 
on the part of The Lincoln Guard of Honor. Under direction 
of the Lincoln ]\Ionument Association, all present joined in 
couveying the bodies to the catacomb, lowering them into 
the vault, filling it with concrete, rela\dng the tesselated 
marble floor over them, and returning the empty sarcophagus 
to where it had stood for many years. The Lincoln Guard 
of Honor then dispersed without formal adjournment, to 
meet next day at the State Capitol to conduct the Lincoln 
Memorial Services. A complete history of the removal may 
be found in the sixth division of this volume. 

The Lincoln Gitakd of HonoBj 
State Capitol of Illinois, Hall of the House of Eepbesentatives, 

Friday, April 15, 1888—2 o'clock P. M. 

EIGHTH LINCOLN MEMORIAL SERVICE. 

Present — Reece, Po^^'er, Lindley, Johnson, Chaj^in and Conk- 
ling. 

Absent— Dana and McNeill (both out of the State). 

Both Houses of the Legislature having adjourned for the 
day, a large number of the members joined in the services. 
The weather being remark abh^ fine, there were many citizens 
and strangers, both ladies and gentlemen, in attendance. 

Precisely at the time foi' opening, Vice-President Reece, act- 
ing master of ceremonies, introduced Rev. N. AV. McElroy, 
D. D., Pastor of the First M. E. Church, Springfield, who 
offered the following 

INVOCATION : 

Oh, Thou God of the humblest Individuals, of all individuals, of all nations and 
peoples, of all ages of the universe! Thou who art Supreme over aU! The King 
of angels and of men! The holj% just Lord and Euler of all! Help us to submit 
to Thy authority, to be obedient to Thy laws, to be loyal to Thy government, to 
love and serve Thee with perfect hearts and wilUng minds. Thou hast said, "The 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 249 

righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance," and we gather here to-day in 
fulfillment of this promise. We thank Thee for Abraham Lincoln. He was Thy 
gift. We thanli Thee for his providential histoiy. for the life of hardship in his 
eai'lier years, for the rough discipline of his life conflict; for his sympathy with 
all humanity and our civil institutions; his oneness witli the people; his peerless 
abilities; his great mind and greater heart; his sterhng integrity; his profomid 
common sense; his patriotism; his private virtues and public deeds. "The mem- 
oiy of the just is precious." Help us to cherish his memory. 

" The lives of great men all remind us 
We can malie our Uves subUme." 

Help us to imitate his virtues, and to cherish the institutions he loved so well, 
and for the perpetuation of which he gave his life. Forbid, we pray Thee, that in 
our land should be repeated the histoiy of the nations who have forgotten Thee; 
that, through our vices, should be forfeited the priceless boon for which Abraham 
Lincoln died. May we not be unworthy sons of noble sires — the ignoble simili- 
tude of fathers who were men in reality, and not the likeness of men without pro- 
found convictions and moral character. Help us to foster all those institutions and 
influences which develop manly character, like that of our martyred leader, whose 
virtues we celebrate in these Memorial services, and to do all we can to banish 
from our land every influence of an opposite chai'acter. May the heritage of our 
liberties, God's richest political gift to man, watered by the blood of patriots and 
martyrs, be perpetuated to the latest generations of men. May " Liberty, frater- 
nity, and equahty," in the true and divine sense, become speedily the heritage of 
all peoples. Preserve our land from civil strife, from foreign war, from plague and 
pestilence, from drought and famine, aad especially preserve us from those vices 
which are more destroying than all these combined. 

Help us to truly appreciate and honor our great and good men ; help us to rev- 
erence their memories, to prize their virtues, to heed their counsels, to strive to 
be hke them. Perpetuate our civil and social institutions, and may we be indeed a 
nation whose God is the Lord! Let Thy blessing rest upon the exercises of this 
hour. Bless the words which may be spoken, accept our praises, forgive our sins, 
and bring us at last to eternal life, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
Amen. 

The quartette, Mrs. E. Hunting-ton Henkle, Mr. Frank H. 
Jones, Mrs. F. W. Wellman and Mr. Charles S. Crowell. 
then chanted 

COME UNTO ME. " 

"Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'' 
"The spirit and the bride say come, and let him that heareth say come, and let 

him that thirsteth come, and whosever wiU, let him take of the water of life 

freely." 

I. 

Just as I am, without one plea, 
But that Thy blood was shed for me. 
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee, 
0, Lamb of God, I come, I come. 
—16 



250 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

II. 
Just as I am, and waiting not 
To rid my soul of one dark blot, 
To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, 
O, Lamb of God, I come, I come. 

III. 
Just as I am Thou wilt receive, 
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve, 
Because Thy promise I beUeve, 
0, Lamb of God, I come, I come! Amen. 

Eight Eev. George F. Seymour, S. T. D., LL. D., Bishop of 
the diocese of Springfield, on being introduced, delivered the 
following 

ORATION : 

Fellow Citizens, Ladies and Gentlemen : 

I am here at the request of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, to address you on this 
occasion, the anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln. 

I come to you from duties multiform and onerous, and I must hasten to a con- 
clusion, because the train vrill soon be here, which wiU bear^me away to discharge 
other duties, which await me on the morrow. 

I have had no leisure to put on paper what I am about to say to you. I must speak 
without any special preparation, and I must therefore crave your indulgence, if 
there should appear that lack of finish in my remarks, which time and labor alone 
can bestow. Beyond this I have no apology to offer, since I hold that eveiy American 
citizen should be so conversant with the history of his native land, that he ought 
to be able, on a moment's notice to give a creditable account of himself on any 
important subject, or in reference to any illustrious character, to which his atten- 
tion might be called. Especially should this be the case in regard to him, whose 
memory we are met to-day to honor. 

The years are not so many, nor have we drifted so far away from our civil war 
but that a large proportion of us, who are assembled here, may be able to recall as 
a part of our personal experience the recollection of those trying times. It would 
be more than a thrice told tale to repeat in your hearing the story of Lincoln's 
life, and the tragic incidents of his death ; it would be superfluous to attempt to 
deUneate his character, and mark him off from ordinary men, by exhibiting those 
q alities and traits, which so eminently fitted him for the position and tlie trusts 
to which God called him. 

To undertake to do any one or all of these things for the benefit of the younger 
portion of my audience would now be unnecessary, since competent hands are en- 
gaged in preparing for the press memoirs of LineoLa, Avhich in part are already in 
possession of the public, and which, Avhen completed, will leave scarcely anything 
to be desired in preserving for the future a faithful and appreciative sketch of his 
life and services. 

We owe a debt of gratitude to the men, who with patient industry are gathering 
from every available source the reminiscences of others, and with faithful diligence 
are adding their own stores of personal information, and with graceful pens are 
moulding the material into a narrative, which from every point of view, accuracy 
of statement, fuUness of detail, and hteraiy excellence, has rarely been surpassed. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 251 

Nor again need I tell you how the residence of Lincoln in Springfield has asso- 
ciated our city with places of earlier renown, and made it one of the sacred spots 
of the United States, of which school children will learn in their geographies and 
histories, and whither pilgrims wid come to visit the home, where Lincoln lived, 
and the tomb where his body reposes in death. We cannot forget that from this 
city, our city, Abraham Lincoln went forth in 1861, to take the reins of govern- 
ment in the darkest hour of our nation's history, and hold them firmly, and steadily 
while the storm of civil war prevailed throughout our borders, and until success 
rested upon our cause, and the preservation of our Union was an assured fact. 
We cannot forget that God permitted him to live until the clouds were breaking, 
and then, when he could see the promised land of peace and prosperity not far 
off, he fell by the assassin's bullet, and when all was over, this city received, 
amid a nation's tears, his mortal remains as a sacred tiMst, and holds them under 
the shelter of a noble monument, in the custo y, from the time it was dedicated 
and down to this hour, of a most loyal, devoted and sympathetic guardian, J. C. 
Power, Esq. 

All this, we say, it would be unnecessary for us to tell you again to-day. You 
have heard it often before and we may now more profitably address ourselves to 
lessons useful for the present and the near future, suggested by a brief retrospect 
of the past crises in our nation's cai'eer. 

1. Looking upon our countiy as it presented itself to the eye when first the 
white man came hither for colonization, it was one vast hunting ground, roved 
over by comparatively a few Indians. The first struggle was for possession of 
the soil. It seemed unjust on the one hand that the natives should be di4ven out 
and that strangers should come in, but on the other it seems even more unjust 
that a few savages, less in number probably than the population of Illinois to-day 
should hold a continent, not for settled habitation, or cultivation, but simply for 
hunting or fishing. In the progress of events, we are not urging tliat the whites 
dealt fairly by their red brothers, but 'we are saying that the contpst long drawn 
out settled finally a principle, when our ancestors, after one hundred and fifty 
years, demonstrated the fact that they came to stay, to reclaim the wilderness, 
and utilize the resources of the country, the principle, namely, that the earth, to 
the extent of its ability to sustain man, is nieant for his occupation. The Indian 
wars of our colonial era culminated in a supreme effort made by a warrior states- 
man. King Philip, at the close of the seventeenth centurj% two hundred years ago 
to crush the whites, and drive them out forever. He did his best, he massed the 
tribes near by, he sought to induce the tribes fai- off to strike a simultaneous 
blow, he displayed rare tact and genius. He did his best and failed, and America 
became the home of the white man. This point was virtually settled then It 
had cost our forefathers much more than we can readily imagine or tell. It was 
a period of continual hostiUt}^ The foe was always on their track. He was in 
ambush by the roadside, in the field, near the meeting house. He came upon the 
colonists unawares at all hours, and the price of safety was perpetual vigilance. 
At last the victory was won and the continent was ours. 

2. Then came a second war, familiarly known as "the French and Indian," 
because the French associated with themselves the disaffected Indian tribes, and 
sought to subdue the English settlers on the Atlantic seaboard, and bring the en- 
tire countiy under the dominion of France. The question at -issue was, shall 
America be English or French. The French claimed that they were first upon 
the ground, that they had colonized Canada and estabhshed their missions and 



252 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

trading posts from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, and that in conse- 
quence all the land was theirs. Their plan was, with their Indian alhes, to close 
in from the north and west and henx the English in between their guns and bay- 
onets and the sea, and so compel them to submit. The English resisted, and 
with the aid of the mother country in the end made good their resistance, and 
conquered France, and settled forever the question that this continent was to be 
dominated by the English and not the French. 

3. Out of this war, so happily terminated, arose the differences, which led 
after a few years to what we familiarly call "The Eevolutionary "War." The par- 
ties were ourselves and that veiy Mother Country, who had so lately helped us 
in our conflict with France. England claimed that as she had been put to great 
expense in equipping armies, and sending them over the ocean to assist us, we 
ought in all fairness to share in bearing the burden of debt, which the late war 
had entailed, and accordingly she proceeded without consulting us, and without 
our consent to lay taxes upon us. The taxes were fairly laid upon articles, which 
would reach the rich rather than the poor, jj^iit the principle involved, taxation 
without representation, aroused the indignation of our ancestors, and for this, and 
many other grievances, which they recited in the Declaration of Independence, 
they proclaimed themselves free, and resisted successfully the attempt of Great 
Britain to coerce them into obedience. The result of this war settled the charac- 
ter of our institutions, as republican, and not monarchical. 

4. Tlie Eevolutionarj^ war, as concluded by the treaty of Paris in 1783, did not 
completely set to rest the claims of Britain over us. She yielded the land, but 
she would not give up the sea. She asserted her right, despite our flag was flying 
at the mast head, to board our ships, and search for English sailors, and if she 
found, as she supposed, any such , to drag them from our decks, and impress them 
into her service. 

The war of 1812, which \SiQte(i.t\iveeje&vs,, vindicated for us our rights upon 
the ocean as well as upon the land, and so our independence complete and entire 
was secured. 

5. The Mexican war involved the issue, whether we would enlarge our borders 
beyond the limits of our original territory, secured to us by our success in the 
Kevolutionary struggle, and acquired by purchase from France. The result was in 
the affirmative, and our southwestern frontier was advanced far into what had 
been the Mexican domain by the addition of California to our Eepublic. 

6. W ■ cannot give too much praise to the statesmen, who framed our constitu- 
tion. Considering the school n which they had learned their politics, resistence 
to the encroachments of centralized power from Great Britain. Considering the 
environment by which they were surrounded in their friends and allies, the 
Frenchmen of that day on their march to anarchy, it is indeed wonderful that they 
elaborated an instrument so conservative and admirable in its provisions. The 
sui'prise is that there is so little to criticise. There was one element in our corporate 
system, which, whatever may have been the individual opinions and preferences of 
the makers of our constitution, they were unable to eliminate, that element was 
slavery. It was evil in itself and evil in its consequences, but it was everywhere. 
It existed in every State from New Hampshire to Georgia. It had been introduced 
in colonial days, and represented a large amount of what men were pleased to call 
"property." It would have been impracticable to legislate it out of existence, or 
ignore it; it must be recognized negatively, if not positively in spite of its absolute 
inconsistency with the emphatically avowed principles of our Declaration of In- 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 253 

dependence. Accordingly it was bom with our birth as a nation, and after irritat- 
ing our system from our infancy up until we wei'e more than three score years and 
ten old, it involved us in our latest and most distressing war, most distressing, be- 
cause it was a war between brethren. 

We need not trace the causes which led up to this most fearful outbreak. We 
hoped, we trusted, we prayed that it might not come, but when the flag of our 
countiy was dishonored at Fort Sumter, the great mass of, the people in the 
north were united as one man, and Springfield sent forth her Lincoln, to be Presi- 
dent of the United States, just as the shock of the conflict began How heroic he 
was, how strong, how gentle and patient, because he was so strong, how wise and 
sensible and well balanced we all very well know. It seemed as if God had raised 
him up to be our leader at this supreme exigency in our nation's career. We feel, 
some of us, if he had been spared that the delicate task of reconstruction would 
have been conducted on broader, sounder principles, and that wounds would have 
sooner healed and fraternal comity have been sooner restored. 

As it is, we are one people now. Slavery is gone, the poison is expelled from 
our system. Our constitution has been amended, history has fixed its meaning on 
vital issues, which once divided us. It seems as though we were destined to hve 
on as a happy, united nation, but we must not suppose that all perils are past, 
that all perplexing questions are settled. This in the nature of things cannot be. 
We are advancing with too rapid strides in every element of growth to lead an easy, 
indolent life, frt-e from care and responsibility, and possibly from sti'uggle. Ah-eady 
we are in the midst of social problems, which may assume, ere we are aware of it, 
proportions and relations perilous, not only to our political fabric, but to our 
families and homes. They involve the relction of capital and labor, and deeper 
than this they reach to the very foundations of social and domestic hfe. 

The watchword, we may say, of this country is labor. Our immense resources 
are yet, comparatively speaking, undeveloped. We have still thousands of square 
miles to appropriate and occupy, forests to fell, cities to build, railroads to con- 
struct, mines to dig, ships to launch, besides providing supplies for the millions of 
population already dwelling on our soil. Our land invites the immigrant to come 
here and labor, with the promise of ample remuneration for his toil. In response, 
they have come in great numbers, and are still pouring in with ever-increasing 
volume. We welcome them, for the most part, heartily, because they form a valu- 
able contribution to our nation, and we have to thank them for having furnished us 
with some of our foremost men in every sphere of hfe. But with this most re- 
spectable and useful class of immigrants, there comes to our shox'es the scum of 
European cities, the outcasts of society, whose hearts are full of hate for order, 
and society, and government of whatever name; whose hands are against every 
man ; who make war on all settled institutions — on marriage, on home, and on 
family life ; who are the foes of property, and courts of justice, and penal restraints; 
who impiously say there is no God — the anarchists, the communists, the nihilists, 
the atheists. The danger lies not simply in these men coming to our soil to 
dwell ; it is not simply the poison of their presence and the contagion of their ex- 
ample and speech which we have reason to dread, but it is that we speedily incor- 
porate them into our system, we take the virus into our national blood, by giving 
them the franchise. Other nations do not thus imperil their safety, nay, their very 
existence, by allowing the avowed enemies of God and the Bible, and marriage, 
and home, and the oath, and the bonds which hold mankind together, by allowing 
them, I say, to vote, and hold office, and, as far as they can, control the State for 



^^^ THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

its destruction, and not for its presei-vation. Here Hes our present peril and we 
are wise if we arouse ourselves to its threatening aspect. Whenever the relations 
of society are strained, as now labor and capital seem to be arrayed against each 
other, in murmurs, and sporadic acts of violence, and strikes, anarchy takes ad- 
vaiiiage of the occasion as its opportunity, and seeks to make matters worse and 
rejoices in iniquity. It shelters itself often under organizations, which in their 
avowed aims, seem beneficent. It labors to poison the minds of children with its 
diabolical teaching, and corrupt the morals of women by its infamous suggestions 
This seems to be the lesson of the day and of the hour, my friends. It needs 
the wisdom, and prudence, and patience, and firmness, and gentleness of a Lincohi 
to grapple successfully with such a problem as this. Mav these virtues be granted 
to us as a people, and the "strength to use them in such wise as to quell sedition 
and every evil work, and make us dwell together in unity and safety 

Let me congratulate The Lincoln Guard of Honor and, through them, the city 
of Springfield that, in the providence of God, Lincoln belongs to this city Here 
he won his earlier laurels as a lawyer and a poHtician. From this place he went 
forth, with your plaudits and prayers, to assume the duties of the presidential 
office in the most tiying hour of our country's need; thither his body cold in 
death, was borne back, amid your tears, to rest in your lovely cemetery until the 
resurrection. Stars of smaller magnitude fade, and are lost to sight as we recede 
m distance. So with men of lesser note, years obscure them, as we drift away 
from them in time. Springfield has its star, whose lustre will never be dimmed 
and whose light will never go out, in the possession of one of America's best and 
greatest sons— Abraham Lincoln. 

Mrs. Edward S. Johnson then read the poem by H H 
Browuell, entitled 

ABRAHAM LINCOLN. 

16. How, from gray Niagara's shore 

To Canaveral's surfy shoal,— 
From the rough Atlantic roar 

To the long Pacific roll ; 
For bereavement and for dole, 

Eveiy cottage wears its weed, 
White as thine own pure soul, 

And black as the traitor deed. 

17. How, under a nations pall. 

The dust so dear in our sight. 
To its home on the prairie passed 

The leagues of funeral ; 
The myriads morn and night, 

Pressing to look their last. 

18. And, me thinks, of all the million 

That looked on the dark dead face, 
Neath its sable plumed pavillion, 

The crone of a humbler race. 
Is saddest of all to think on, 

And the old swai't hps that said, 
Abraham Lincohi, oh ! he is dead. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 255 

For the remainder of the foregoing poem see page 162. 
Mrs. E. Huntington Henkle then sang, 

THE TEAR. 

When grief and angnish press me down, 

And hope and comfort flee, 
I chng, O Father, to Thy throne, 

And stay my heart on Thee ; 
I cling, O Father, to Thy throne, 

And stay my heart on Thee. 

"When death invades my peaceful home ; 

The sunder'd ties shall be 
A closer bond in time to come, 

To bind my heart, to Thee, 
To bind, to bind, to bind my heart to Thee. 

Lord, not my will, but Thine be done ! 

My soul from sin set free, 
Her faith shall anchor at Thy throne, 

And trust alone in Thee. 

■WTien grief and anguish press me down, 

And hope and comfort flee, 
I cling, O Father, to Thy throne, 

I cling, I cling, and stay my heart on Thee ; 
I cling, Father, to Thy tlu'one, 

I cling, and stay my heart on Tliee. 

Hon. William H. Collins, of Quincy, Illinois, on being intro- 
duced, taking for his subject, the life and character of 
Abraham Lincoln, delivered the following 

ORATION. 

The builder of the planet upreared vast mountain ranges, upon whose shoulders 
the continents repose. Here and there some lofty cone towers above the wilder- 
ness of pine and granite, in such majestic grandeur, that its outUnes can only be 
measured from an extended perspective. Nations ciystaUze about great men. In 
some crisis, a man arises, the magnitude of whose accomplishments and the gran- 
deur of whose character, can only be measured from the standpoint of universal 
histoiy. Only as we comprehend the stupendous drama of which he was the 
guiding genius and inspiration, can we appreciate his personal gifts and the ser- 
vice he wrought for the woi'ld. Such a man was Abraham Lincoln. He not only 
served his nation but the cause of civilization and mankind. 

A rational philosophy of history is based upon the conception of an intelligent 
plan underlying the growth of society and the development of the race. 



256 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

All the phenomena of history ai'e the exhibits of an evolution from lower to 
higher forms. The rise and fall of empires contribute to progress. Out of the 
crucibles in which nations have been reduced to ashes some residuum comes to 
fertilize and enrich the future. Through the ages with their shifting scenes of 
action and reaction, runs a definite purpose. Society reaches toward its climax. 
Civilization is impatient of the existing conditions of ignorance, disorder and in- 
justice. Far off, though it may be, the trend of historic forces is toward universal 
self- government, luminous with wisdom, founded in rightousness and adminis- 
tered in a spirit of love. Only as we recognize this stream of tendency which 
leads to the 

"One far off divine event 
To which the whole creation moves," 
can we appreciate the genius and service of him who for a time may have directed 
its forces. 

The problem of modern civilization is the maintenance of demoei'acy or self- 
government among groups of men in the harmony of a federal system. Abraham 
Lincoln's crowning service was the solution of this problem. What, then, is the 
principle, its history and his connection with it ? 

The individual is best governed who governs himself in righteousness. The 
state is best governed which is self-govemed in justice. Such government is 
freedom regulated by law. The law which hmits, protects freedom. For ages, 
war has been the common condition of mankind. The military type of civiliza- 
tion has prevailed. Tribal organizations , states, kingdoms, empires has ever held 
themselves ready for conflict. Though in some nations great men have arisen 
who were men of genius in art, literature and politics, none ever learned how to 
hold self-governing groups together as a whole. The political experiments of 
the states of Greece, brilliant as their partial civilization was, were failures in 
federation, both from their inherent incapacity for self-government, and from 
pi'essure from without. 

The Roman Empire consolidated many provinces with an apparent success, but 
it was a oential government at the expense of self-government in the provinces. 
It was centralization at the cost of local freedom. The central government was a 
close corporation, which did everj^thing in its own interest. When the temple of 
Janus was closed, "Pax Romana" meant repression or absorption and the destnic- 
tion of local liberty. The ecclesiastical authority which, in an unholy partnership 
with the civil power, sought the control of the European States during the middle 
ages, adopted the policy of the Empire, and everjnvhere repressed both civil and 
religious freedom. 

The government of diverse groups by representation and combined in a central 
government with a written constitution, was the invention of the English-speak- 
ing people. Their insular position, protecting them from the interference of con- 
tiguous nations, while they made their political experiments, made it possible. 
But the law of evolution demanded a stage commensurate with the magnitude of 
the problem. It was provided. America was discovered. Spain with her incapacity 
to conceive of self-government much less establish self-governing colonies sank 
with her "invincible armada," and ceased to be a menace to civiUzation. France 
with despotic theories of government was driven from thfe new world by the vic- 
tory of Wolfe before Quebec. This was the most significant event of the ISth 
centiuy. It was followed by great historic results. A virgin temtory of vast ex- 
tent was secured for the use of the people, who alone thus far in history, had 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 257 

shown a capacity for self-government. A vast ocean lay like a moat about the 
land, so that people jealous of new ideas and not in sympathy with free forms of 
government, could not interfere. A few savages only were to be brushed away 
from the advancing frontier. A fertile soil and bountiful harvests, with peace, gave 
the people leisure for the study of the art of government and experiments with 
this principle. 

The war with the mother country was unlike the war which ended with the vic- 
toiy of Wolfe (a war of two people with antagonistic ideas), it was a war sustained 
by a part of the EngUsh people in behalf of principles time has shown to be equally 
dear to all. It left the people absolutely free to try the experiment of Federal 
government. This principle is, that States ha^s-e exclusive jurisdiction in their 
local affairs, while, upon the questions of common concern between groups of 
States, decisions shall be reached by the legislation of the central government 
represented by States and by the whole people. It is only by this principle that ■ 
it is possible to hold together groups of men spread over vast areas, with diverse ' 
local interests, in orderly and peaceful relations, without a sacrifice of their free- 
dom. The adoption of this principle, and the working of it into the Constitution 
of the Government, was the most perfect piece of constructive statesmanship the 
world ever saw. Gladstone might well say : " The American Constitution is, as 
far as I can see, the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the 
brain and purpose of man." 

As it was the task of the fathers of the Eepublic to inaugurate this principle, it 
became the work of Lincoln to cany it tlii'ough a crucial and exhaustive test. 

He could not have had a grander opportunity or a more conspicuous theater of 
action. It would seem that the institution of slavery was introduced into this 
country by Providence, so that the Federal principle might be subjected to a su- 
preme trial. Only such an interest could ever have inspired eleven States with a 
supreme devotion to the heresy of " States Eights." This enlisted their pride of 
patriotism and the consecration of their religion. For this they organized their 
entire military power as a unit. For this they organized all the moral and physi- 
cal power of caste prejudice, intensified by the strongest possible contrasts of 
color and physical feature, deepened by the intellectual and moral debasement of 
centuries of barbarism. 

These States had been governed by men who for long years had a definite and 
determined policy of nationaUzing slavery, Avith secession and the overthrow of 
the Federal princeiple as the alternative. They held close economic relations to 
England and hoped for her naval suppoi-t. Even among his closest advisers, there 
were those who were in doubt about the right of coercion of a State by the cen- 
tral government. It was somewhat of a problem whether the great mass of the 
people would fight for the principle. There never was a greater problem or a 
severer task. Yet Mr. Lincoln organized the moral and material resources of the 
country, beyond all the precedents of history, and achieved an absolute victory. 

Many ardent haters of slavery were impatient with him because he put the main- 
tenance of the Union first. Time has shown his deeper wisdom. The destruction 
of slavery was incidental. He knew that if the Union was preserved, with the . 
principle of local self-government, emancipation would be the sure result. Eman- 
cipation was a priceless blessing. But more vitally intenvoven into the very fiber 
of the national Ufe was this principle of Union, with local independence. Would 
it be overthrown by the first serious social problem it had to meet, or would it be 
an example of a successful experiment in self-government to other aees and all 
lands? 



258 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

If the adoption of this principle is essential to freedom, peace and the highest 
civilization, then the war, terrible as it was, was Avorth, to the nation and the 
world, the blood and treasure of generations. Mr. Lincohi so believed. He be- 
lieved that victory, so purchased, would be the earnest of the future peace and 
freedom of mankind. As expressive of his theory of the war, and of his belief 
that this principle was the issue, what more conclusive than his own words of 
matchless eloquence on the battlefield of Gettysburg : 

" It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us, 
that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which 
they gave the last full measm-e of devotion, that we here highly resolve that 
these dead shall not have died in vain ; that this nation, under God, shall have a 
new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people for the 
people, shall not perish from the eai'th." 

In his letter to Mr. Greely he said : "My paramount object is to save the 
Union and not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union 
without freeing any slave I would do it. If I could save it by freeing all the 
slaves, I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others 
alone, I would also do that. I intend no modification of my oft expressed per- 
sonal wish that all men everywhere might be free." 

The victory of this principle in its supreme test, marks an epoch in history. As 
the ages recede, it wiU be more and more sharply defined. And he who guided its 
progress and made it triumphant, will be the man of the epoch. 

"When there is to be a marked movement of progress. Providence always raises 
a man for the task. Such an one was the Semitic genius who came up out of the 
swamps of the Nile, to organize a swarm of slaves into a nation. Such was 
Socrates— out of his poverty enriching the world as the father of intellectual life. 
Such was the carpenter's Son — who established the spiritual republic of God, with 
liberty and love as its law.. Such was Luther— who broke the shackles which des- 
potism forged for the human intellect. Such was Shakespeare— who translated 
the world's wisdom into matchless song and filled it with music. Such was 
Washington — ^who organized peasants into armies, and won the victories of 
progress and of peace. Such was Lincoln — solving the profoundest problem of 
civihzation and touching with the leaven of peace and freedom the life of the 
race. For I do not doubt that as self-govemment in righteousness is the highest 
law of the individual life, so self-government in justice, among the nations, is the 
highest law of national life. Evolution working by this principle and under the 
Divine direction, justifies the expectation that the nations of the earth will yet 
disband their armies and abandon the military for the industrial type of civiliza- 
tion. Disputes wiU not be settled by war. The wage of battle wiU be as obsolete 
between nations as between individuals. International questions will be settled 
by federal tribunals. Their decisions will be sustained by the pubUc opinion of 
the world. 

All possible groups of men developed to the self-governing grade, will combine 
under federal systems and attain the largest possible life. The wonderful 
weapons of modern warfare, the immense structures of military art on land and 
sea, will be gazed on with wonder as the momrments of a civilization long passed 
away. As history develops along this Une towards this consummation ; above the 
levels of common humanity, across the intei-vening distances of history, the ser- 
vice and fame of Lincoln, wiU stand out in glorious majesty as the mountain 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 259 

stands out from the interminable forests, its grand lines clearly defined and its 
sublime peak, by day, bright with the splendor of the sim ; at night crowned with 
the stars ! 

Emerson says, that when the Architect of the Universe has points to cany in 
his government he expresses himself in the structure of minds. 

I shall brieflj' allude to Mr. Lincoln's personal endowment s. 

He had the power of seeing ti'uth with the clearness of absolute vision. He saw 
principles in their prof oundest and largest relations. As the eye is made for light, 
his mind was made to comprehend truth. Truth was to him 
"A thing of beauty and a joy forever." 

In his earliest intellectual awakening, the theorems of Euclid were his favorite 
study. The mental exercise of solving these by original solution, was to him a 
sort of creative ecstacy. I saw him once when the simple statement of a scientific 
ti'uth new to him, kindled him with child-like enthusiasm, which flashed in Ms 
eye and suifused his face with a radiant glow. His humor was the reUef which ' 
comes in waving and undulatory Unes to a mind which first sees things with 
absolute directness, on "the shortest hne between two points." He relished 
stories because they were diagrams which pictorially illustrated truth. To him all 
visible things were language. He saw through things to principles. When the 
politician wove his sophistries and delusions to tangle the public mind for the sake 
of cheap and temporary results, he cut through to the fundamental principle. So 
he showed the difference between a pohtician and statesman. As a bee, guided by 
divine instinct over all the fields, gathers its treasure; so he, amid all the illusions, 
confusions, sophistries, passionate enthusiasms, party cries and tangling subtleties 
could ever discern the truth. A lie or a sophism was revolting to his soul. The 
spirit of truth led him upward to the loftiest elevation and clearest atmosphea'e of 
intellectual life, as in Dante's great poem, the poet is led by the gentle and sainted 
Beatrice, who comes from heaven to be his help; and through all the ascents of 
paradise, interprets for him all truth and leads him from star to star. 

He had also the prophetic quality of mind. The logical and prophetic gift are 
closely associated, if not one. The intellect which sees truth in its absolute rela- 
tions sees equally its logical applications, hence it sees not only its relations to 
the present, but to the future. Like Moses, Mahomet, and others, he had the 
prophetic preparation. Great heroes come out of the wilderness to society; not 
out of universities. The loftiest peak rests on invisible pillars in the common 
earth. Genius comes from the common people. Epochal heroes come from the 
fife of the shepherd and the frontiersman. Face to face with themselves and with 
God in nature, they leam the heart of God and the heart of man, and can speak 
from one to the other. In solitude, great souls are visited with great thoughts and 
become conscious of a mission to men. As the Hebrew came down from the 
mountion, his face luminous with the reflected light of the mysterious theopliany 
he had witnessed, Lincoln came from the rude wilds of the Sangamon, with the 
light of a divine vision in his soul. He had met face to face, the triune theopliany 
of eternal truth, justice and love. Henceforth, his life was under the spell of a 
sublime consecration. Henceforth, he felt the sovereignty of conscience. Eight 
and wrong rose up in his mind in sharp and eternal contrast. "Without any sub- 
tleties of philosophy he appealed to the moral sense and the common sense of the 
people, assailing wrong with a tenible earnestness. He seemed to have no per- 
sonal ends. Fortune, honor, fame, was nothing. Truth, right, justice, was every- 
thing. And so Avhen his greatest task began, he seemed only to seek to estabhsh 



260 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

in the hearts of the people a love for the federal uuion with all its implications of 
justice and liberty. His grasp of the real issue, his prophetic vision of results, his 
lucid analysis, his axiomatic statement, his elevation of thought, the overmaster- 
ing energy of his large and magnetic nature, gathered men about him as a leader. 
He loved men as men. No splendor of position, advantage of relation, persistence 
or plausibihty of claim, could bUnd him to absolute justice. His insight pierced 
to the heart of things and meti. The heai-ts of men were his books. Events were 
his insti-uctors. To the mass of men, the stars are stars and nothing more. 
Kepler cUmbed the ladder of their rays and read their secret, the law of their life 
and motion. To Lincoln, men were not mere units and nothing more, but per- 
sonal centers of thought, passion, joy, hope, aspiration and despair, and he entered 
into sympathy with them. His heart was timed to beat with the heart of man- 
kind, and so he lived and thought and wrcfught for man as man. Like a bugle 
blast sounding a charge, W'as his utterance on the eve of the war. Uttered at this 
Capitol, they make it seem as Holy Ground. "The doctrine of self-government is 
right, absolutely and eternally right. When the white man governs himself, that 
is self-government, but when he governs himself and also governs another man, 
that is more than self-government, that is despotism." 

" Slavery is foimded in the selfishness of man's nature, opposition to it in his 
love of justice. These principles are in eternal antagonism . I object to it (the 
Nebraska Law), because it assumes this, that there can be right in the enslave- 
ment of one man by another. I object to it as a dangerous dalliance for a free 
people ; a sad evidence that, feeling prosperity, we forget right ; that liberty, as a 
principle, we have ceased to revere." 

" Our repubhcan robe is soiled and trailed in the dust. Let us repurify it, let us 
turn and wash it white in the spirit, if not in the blood, of the revolution. Let us 
turn slaveiy from its claims of moral right back upon its existing legal rights and 
its arguments of necessity. Let us re-adopt the Declaration of Independence 
and practices and pohcies which harmonize with it. If we do this, we shall not 
only save the Union, but we shall have so saved it as to make and keep it forever 
worthy of the saving. We shall have so saved it that the succeeding millions of 
free, happy people the Avorld over shall rise up and call us blessed to the latest 
generations . " 

These words will be wisdom and music while the ages come and go. Like dia- 
monds gathered in the fields of thought by the thinker from the wilderness, pol- 
ished to exquisite perfection by the touch of his genius, they will shine and sparkle 
in the diadem of liis fame forever . 

Mr . Lincoln had the gift of wisdom. Men may have much knowledge but no 
wisdom. He had the highest genius for statesmanship — common sense. It was 
this common sense which, in the Babel of many voices, the fury and confusion of 
war, could ever detect the "still small voice" of wisdom. He saw, as a funda- 
mental principle, that a poUcy, to succeed, must have the support of public opinion. 
It was this common sense which, beyond other gifts, helped him to solve the prob- 
lem. He had to direct the unwise zeal of friends and the jealousy of rivals, the 
treason of covert enemies and schemes of foreign nations, while he encountered 
the most persistent and powerfully organized militarj^ force of all time. He had 
to harmonize all varieties of opinion — love for the Union, hatred for slavery. He 
had to repress anti-slavery zeal. He had to yield doubtful points and g.iin the 
advantages of compromise without concessions of principle. He comprehended 
the temper and prejudices of the people, and led them while he seemed to foUow. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR, 2G1 

To the over-zealous, he seemed slow. To the conservative, rash. Those who 
tlioiight only of emancipation feared, at times, that he was disloyal to liberty. 
He knew that premature action in the direction of emancipation would cripple his 
armies. A logical result of the struggle, he knew it could abide its time. The 
exquisite delicacy of adjustment of his poUcy to the development of public senti- 
ment, under the stern tutelage of war, will ever challenge the admiration of man- 
kind. He followed it, yet he led it. He restrained it, yet he nourished it. He 
curbed it, yet he crowned it. In relation to which we may apply the simile of 
the poet : 

" As unto the bow the cord is, 
So unto man is woman. 
Though she bends him, she obeys him? 
Though she draws him, yet she follows." 

He was, in the lai'gest sense, a reUgious man . Loyalty to the law of rectitude 
and love is the consummate and perfect flower of religion. He sought absohite 
harmony with his environment. Not that he accepted, as a complete explanation 
of life, the tenets of any sect, but he had that absolute loyalty to the Highest' 
which transcends creeds and forms. 

" Our little systems have their day, 
They have their day and cease to be." 

He walked with God. He was so much larger than other men that, in his high- 
est, he needed God for a companion . All the world's greatest men have had a 
reverent spirit and believed that the Supreme mind worked and spake through 
them. Lincoln felt, with reverent awe, that he was an instrument of the divine 
purpose. So absolute was his loyalty that the perfection and strength of his action 
was one with the lift of the tides and the roll of the world. Under his grand life 
was ever the sohd earth ; over it, the arch of the infinite heaven. He stood firmly 
on the one ; he looked steadfastly into the other. When deputations of good men, 
representing their orders or sects, presented to him their measures of duty and 
their standards of action, he listened ; but all the while, at the other end of the 
line, he was in converse with God as his chosen son, and from whom, in the con- 
fidence of mutual trust, he received his commissions. What finer scorn and fieiy 
moral anger than his at the slightest hint of unfaith. " There have been men base 
enough to propose to me to return to slavery our black warriors of Port Hudson 
and Olustee, and thus win the respect of the maste s they fought. Should I do 
so, I would deserve to be damned in time and eternity. Come what will, I will 
keep my faith with friend and foe." 

It sometimes seems that Mr. Lincoln was not an actual character, but an incar- 
nation or embodiment of the nation's spirit and hfe. If at any period during the 
war, the question had been asked, how does the loyal element of the nation feel ? 
What does it seek ? What is its spiiit ? The answer would have been found in 
his mind and heart. As the nation thought, he thought ; and as it felt, he felt ; he 
was timed to its spirit and in aflSnity with its inmost secret. The North was not 
warlike by nature, nor was he ; it shrank from prosecuting the war, but it con- 
scientiously persisted to the end ; so did he. He was the key to the war. He 
moderated passion, and kept pity and humanity at the front. He was not rigid in 
discipline, for the armj' was fighting its own battles. 

With charity for all and malice toward none he fought with his great heart 
brooding over the whole nation, and with tears of love and compassion for both 



262 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

sides. Civil wars are generally vindictive. He was tender hearted and had infinite 
patience. He loolied upon all men in weakness or in wrong, with a pity, profound 
to the degree of melancholy. 

Helen of Argo had such universal beauty that everybody felt related to her. 
There was significance in the popular expression, " Father Abraham." The nation 
felt for him fihal affection. While the dutiful sons fought for the integrity of the 
home, it was only a question of time, when the foolish prodigals, their heritage 
wasted, would come to themselves and return. 

"With as strong an ann as ever struck for the right ; with as clear an qye as ever 
took in this world ; with as keen an eye and just a judgment as ever weighed 
human hf e ; with as pure a heart as ever throbbed with human sympathy ; he saved 
his nation, freed the slaves, estabhshed the principle on which alone the nations of 
the earth can dwell in peace and freedom, and so solved the problem of civihza- 
tion. 

The man by whose monument we stand has been lifted by his service and 
character up out of a single nation's homage and love. He belongs to mankind. 
The granite will crumble. The beautiful and eloquent bronzes wiU vanish under 
the touch of time and change ; but the beauty of his devotion, the grandeur of his 
service and the exaltation of his life wiU forever hold the heart of mankind, and no 
shadow will ever dim the splendor of his fame. 

Clintou L. Conkling, one of our members, then read a brief 
historical paper on the labors of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 
in cruarding- against any further attempts that might be 
made to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln. A full history 
of the attempt that was made, is recorded in the sixth 
division of this volume, beginning on page seventy-five. 

Mrs. E. Huntington Henkle and Mr, Frank H. Jones, then 
sang the duet 

ABIDE WITH ME. 

I. 
Abide with me! fast falls the eventide. 
The darkness deepens — Lord, with me abide! 
When other helpers fail, and comforts flee. 
Help of the helpless, oh, abide with me. 

II. 
Swift to the close ebbs out life's little day ; 
Earths joys grow dim, its glories pass away; 
Change and decay in all around I see; 
0, thou who changest not, abide with me! 

III. 
I need Thy presence each passing hour. 
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power? 
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be ? * 
Thro' cloud and sunshine, oh, abide with me! 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 263 



Hold Thon Thy cross before my closing eyes; • 
Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; 
Heaven's morning breaks, and eai-th's vain shadows flee! 
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me! 

Rev. D. S. Johnson, D. D., pastor of the Second Presby- 
terian Church, was on the programme, but sickness pre- 
vented his being present. Rev. Francis Springer, on being 
invited to do so, offered the following very appropriate 

PRAYER AND BENEDICTION. 

Our Father who art in Heaven, to Thee is our thought in reverend words of 
worship. We thank Thee for this auspicious occasion which awakens in us the 
memory of the innumerable and rich blessings with which Thou hast favored us 
and the land wherein Thou hast given us inheritance. 

Thou, O God, dost wisely and beneficently hold sceptre over the nations. With 
sincere 'and devout thanksgiving we gladly accept the truth that Thou art our 
God, the Father of tliis National Eepubhc, the most equitable, humane, and be- 
loved government on earth. 

In aU the trying experiences of this Nation, Thou, Heavenly Father, hast raised 
up able, brave, upright and patriotic men to lead in statesmanship, to command 
the armies, land to give their Uves if required, for the deliverance of the Nation 
and to perpetuate pohtical and reUgious liberty and equal rights among men. We 
thank Thee for the bright galaxy of heroic and virtuous characters which adorn 
the pages of om- history;— for the Washington who broke the sword of the oppres- 
sor and led on our forefather's to National independence;— for the Abraham Lm- 
cohi whose gentle, courageous and wise spirit inspired his countrymen to preserve 
and continue the National Union which their fathers had begun, and to widen the 
area of freedom. 

0, Dear Father in heaven, be Thou always our shepherd. May Thy presence 
never cease, as a conscious and precious influence in the minds of all om- people, 
to the end that, with increasing generations, they may be increasingly upright and 
loyal to Thy throne; and that this christian countiy— land of the free and home of 
the brave,— may ever be the morning star of hope and happiness to all the worid. 

And unto Thee, Divine Pai-ent, be due homage, obedience and love, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The Lincoln Guakd of Honor, 
At the Leland Hotel, 
Friday, April 22, 1887, 8 oclock p. M. 

Present— Eeece, Power, Lindley, Johnson, Wiggins, Chapin 
and Conkling. 



264 THE LINCOLN OUARD OF HONOR. 

Absent— Dana and McNeill, both out of the State. 

Vice-President Reece called the meeting to order. 

Reading of minutes of last meeting, which was our eighth 
Lincoln Memorial Day, was dispensed with. 

All bills for expenses connected with our last memorial ser- 
vice, amounting to |45, were audited and ordered to be paid. 

Adjourned. 

J. C. Power, Secretary. 



The Lincoln Guard of Honor, 
Leland Hotel, :\ronday, Feb. 13, 1888—8 o'clock P. M., 

(Sunday, the 12th. being the Anniversary.) 
NINTH ANNUAL MEETING. 

Present— Dana, Reece, Power, Lindley, Johnson and Wiggins. 

Absent— McNeill, at his home in Oskaloosa, Iowa; Chapin, 
at his home in Jacksonville, Illinois; Conkling, at his home 
in this city, convalescing after sickness. 

Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. 

On motion of J. C. Power, it was 

Resolved, That the entire nine members— Gustaws S. Dana, Jasper N Reece 
John CarroU Power, Joseph P. Lindley, Edward S. Johnson, James F. JIcNeill' 
Noble B. Wiggins, Horace Chapin and Chnton L. Coniiling-be, and they are 
hereby elected a board of directors, to serve one year, or imtil their successors are 
chosen. 

The board of dii-ectors proceeded to organize by reelectino- 
the outgoing officers for one year, or until their successors 
are chosen. The election resulted in the choice of 

G. S. Dana, President. 
J. N. Reece, Vice-President. 
J. C. Power, Secretary. 
J. P. Lindley, Treasurer. 

The following preamble and resolutions were unanimouslv 
adopted : 

Whekeas, The members of our Society, after the attempt of demons in human 
form to steal the body of our martyred President, Abraham Lincoln that they 
might, by the possession of it, extort gain, having, at the suggestion of an offlcex 
of the Lmcoln Monument Association, first made the remains temporarily secure 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 265 

we organized under the laws of the State of Illinois as The Lincoln Guard of 
Honor, that we might more effectually guard against any further attempts that 
might be made by vandal hands to rob his tomb ; and 

Whereas, It was obviously indispensable that we should shield the real ob- 
jects of our origination from the public as the only sure way of accomphshing 
them, for that reason one of them was made to institute and maintain memorial 
services on the anniversaries of his birth and death ; and 

Whereas, We have eight times, from 1880 to 1887, inclusive, arranged for and 
conducted, on the anniversary of his death, each, an increasingly beautiful and 
impressive memorial senice, so that the day has become known as Lincoln Me- 
morial Day ; and 

Whereas, The exliuming of the body of President Lincoln, by The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor, from the grave where they had secretly buried it years before, 
and delivering it, April 14, 1887, to the Lincoln Monument Association, before whom 
it was identified, as attested by a large number of witnesses, and the burial of it 
with that of his wife, in our presence, in a receptacle prepared under the supervision 
of our Secretary (as the Custodian of the monument), and encasing them in con- 
crete six by five feet and a half, and eight feet long, with a wall one foot and a half 
thick of hard burned brick, laid in Portland cement, around that, making the whole 
equal to a solid mass of stone six feet deep, eight and a half feet wide and eleven 
feet long, terminates our labors and responsibilities ; therefore. 

Resolved, That the directors and officers elected at this meeting, being fur one 
year or until their successors are chosen, we will consider their term of office per- 
petual, if there is not another election ; that we will retain our oganization under 
its corporate name as long as there is a member living, and will meet for social or 
other purposes on the call of any two members, or on the death of a member, as 
it was, early in our history, mutually agreed that upon the death of any member, 
the survivors will act as pall-bearers. 

Resolved, That we will not again conduct Lincoln Memorial Services, but will 
leave that to the citizens, or to a new society under another name, and we wiU 
heartily join, as citizens, on any Lincoln Memorial Day that they may inaugurate- 
Resolved, That our Secretaiy be, and he is hei-eby instructed, to have a neat 
casket made, of sufficient size to contain our record book, certificate of incorpora- 
tion, seal and press, gavel made of live o^k from the steam ship of war Kearsarge, 
crimson silk velvet collar covered with patriotic emblems in gold, sent to our Sec- 
retaiy by friends of Lincoln in California, as a mark of their approval of his efforts 
as Custodian to protect the tomb from desecration, and any papers that it may be 
desirable to preserve— put all in the casket and keep it in Memorial Hall of the 
National Lincoln Monument, that they may be left there as mementoes when we 
cease to use them. On the death of any member, it shall be the dutj' of any sur- 
viving member or members to see that the fact is entered on our record book. 

On motion of J. P. Lindley, it was resolved that we now 

adjourn. 

J. C. Power, Secretary. 



266 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



DIVISION FIFTEENTH 

MEMBERSHIP OF THE LINCOLX GUARD OF HONOR. 



Before closing the account of our labors, it is thought to 
be no more than is due to all parties that a brief, individual 
statement concerning each of our members should be placed 
upon record; therefore the following sketches are prepared, 
beginning with our President. 

GUSTAVUS SULLIVAN DANA. 

Gustavus S. Dana was born October 3, 1839, at Hartford, 
Connecticut, his parents having, not long previous, moved 
there from Worcester county, Massachnsetts. 

From some time in the first half of the seventeenth cen- 
tury, the name of Dana has been quite numerous in the 
New England States, and is borne by many men distinguished 
for literary, scientific and professional attainments. They 
were patriots also; many of them served their country in 
diplomacy, statesmanship, or as soldiers. Mr. Joshua Hill, 
the maternal grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a 
soldier in the Eevolutionary army from the colony of Massa- 
chusetts. He served under General Sullivan, which fact is 
commemorated in the christian name of Mr. Dana. 
^ G. S. Dana came to Illinois with his father's family in 1855, 
and served an apprenticeship of three years to the trade of 
a machinist, in Springfield. He returned to Hartford in 1858, 
and was quietly working at his trade when the rebellion 
opened. He enlisted there, April 18, 1861, in the First Kegi- 
ment Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, for three months. At 
the end of that term of service, he again enlisted in the 
Sixth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry for three years. In 
that regiment he became sergeant-major, second lieutenant 
and first lieutenant. Lieutenant Dana was promoted March 
3, 1863, to captain in the Signal Corps of the United States 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



267 



Army. He served in that position until September 21, 1864, 
when, in consequence of failino- health, he resigned. 

Gustavus S. Dana and Miss Alice Overand were married, 
July 12, 1864, at Hartford, Conn. In October, 1865, they 
moved to Sprino-field, Illinois, where he was engaged in mer- 
cantile business twenty-two years, until the spring of 1887. 
From the autumn of 1887, for about one year, he was su- 
perintendent of one of the uunierous coal mines in and about 
Springfield. 

Always taking a deep interest in military affairs, while en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits Mr. Dana found time to serve 
as "^Inspector-General of the Second Brigade of the IlUnois 
National Guard from 1874 to 1881. inclusive, and is now, 
1889, Assistant Adjutant-General of the Second Brigade. Mr. 
and Mrs. Dana have not any children. They reside in Spring- 
field, Ilhnois. 

Mr. Dana was one of tlie nine men who assembled in Me- 
morial Hall of the National Lincoln Monument, February 12, 
1880, and there organized The Lincoln Guard of Honor. That 
day he was elected President, and, by reelections, has been 
continued in office to the present time. It is part of his na- 
ture to be prompt in the discharge of every duty connected 
with anything he undertakes. He has been our only Presi- 
dent, and unless there is a change not now contemplated, he 
will remain so for life. 

JASPER NEWTON REECE. 

Jasper N. Eeece w^as born April 30, 1841, at Abingdon, 
Knox county, Illinois. At the age of fourteen years both his 
parents died, leaving him to take his chances for acquiring 
an education in the common schools of the State. 

When the call was made by President Lincoln, in April, 
1861, for 75,000 volunteers to aid in suppressing the slave- 
holders' rebellion, the quota of Illinois was quickly filled, 
leaving thousands of men ready to battle for their country. 
Young Reece, with others, went to Missouri, where the people 
were not so loyal, and there enlisted in a regiment for that 
State. In May, 1864, he became captain of Co. C, 138th 
Illinois Volunteers, in which he" served until October 14, 1864, 
when he was mustered out with an honorable discharge. 



268 THE LINCODN GUARD OF HONOR. 

September 19, 1861, Jasper X. Reece was married to Miss 
M. J. Allen, at Abingdon, Illinois. They have three children. 
The eldest, Edwin A. Reece, is married. He is connected with 
the Northern Pacific Express Company, and is located at 
Phillipsburg, Montana. The other son, Roy R., and daughter, 
Cora, reside with their parents. 

In 1871 Mr. Reece was elected first assistant clerk in the 
House of Representatives of the 27th General Assembly of 
Illinois. From 1873 to 1879 he acted as chief clerk in the 
office of Secretary of State, under Col. George H. Harlow, who 
was twice elected for four years each terra. Mr. Reece served 
as chief clerk in the office of U. S. Marshal for the Southern 
District of Illinois, from July, 1880, until January, 1883. He 
was private secretary to Governor John M. Hamilton from 
January, 1883, to January, 1885. 

Having a fondness for military life, early in 1877, Mr. Reece 
became a member of Battery B, in the Illinois National Guard. 
In July, that year, he was promoted to Assistant Adjutant 
General, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, on the staff of 
General Erastus N. Ba.tes, commanding the Second Brigade. 
In that position he assisted in suppressing the riots at East 
St. Louis in July, 1877. 

In November following General Bates resigned, and Colonel 
Reece was promoted Brigadier General, to fill the vacancy, 
his commission dating November 26, 1877. 

Gen. Reece was ordered b^^ the Governor of Illinois to East 
St. Louis, on the breaking out of the strike by the railroad 
operatives in April, 1886. For six weeks he held the reins 
W'itli such a firm hand as to bring order out of the wildest 
confusion, without firing a gun. 

When The Lincoln Guard of Honor was organized. Gen. J, 
N. Reece was elected Vice President, and b}^ continuous re- 
elections has held the office to the present time — 1889 — and 
will doubtless do so as long as he lives. He retains his farm- 
ing interests in Warren county. He is also interested in coal 
mining near the city of Springfield, Illinois, where he resides. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



2G9 



JOHN CARROLL POWER. 

My grandfa,tlier, Joseph Power, was the jouugest of seven 
brothers, who were all soldiers from Loudon county, Virginia, 
in the patriot army during the American Revolution. His 
second son, John Power, was born in Loudon county in 1787. 
AVhen he was six years of age the family moved, in 170:}, to 
Avhat became Fleming county, Kentucky. 

The Power family were among the earliest colonists in Vir- 
ginia, and were quite numerous in the counties of Loudon 
and Norfolk. Rev. F. D. Power, of Washington, D. C, who 
was chaplain of the U. S. House of Representatives during the 
administration of President Garfield, is a native of the latter 
county. He came to Springfield a few years ago, and in an 

interview, we, from various causes, 
came to the conclusion that we were 
both descendants of the same early 
colonists. But at what time the 
family came from Europe, neither 
of us have any knowledge. From 
him I learned that the accompany- 
ing COAT OF ARMS was brought from 
Ireland by the earliest emigrants of 
the name, and has been in possess- 
_ ,_ sion of the descendants for genera- 
'^^:& tions. Not being versed in heraldry, 

|jOU)£r. I do not know the significance of it, 

but insert it here as a family curiosity. Other accounts of 
the Power family say, that with a little different spelling, the 
name came to England wdth Wilham the Conquerer, and was 
taken to Ireland with some military expedition. There are 
families of the same name in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. 
Some of them spell it Powers. We who adhere to the shortest 
orthography, " believe that ours ^vas the original, and that 
others have carelessly permitted the addition of the letter s, 
for it seems easier for the average citizen to say Powers than 
Power. 

There is a curious family tradition on the maternal side of 
my ancesters. The story is, that sometime during the six- 
teenth century, after a great storm, in which many ships were 
wrecked off the coast of Holland, a large wooden bowl was 




270 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

found afloat, with a boy babe in it, quietly sleeping. lie was 
very appropriately christened "Sea Bowl." He became a 
strong, healthy man, married, and raised a family. In time 
the two words constituting his name became one, and with a 
little difference in orthography, constituted the surname of 
his descendants. One of them, Jasper Hey bold, found his way 
into the colony, now State of Maryland, and there married a 
Miss Carroll, belonging to one of the numerous Carroll families 
of that State. Jasper Seybold and his wife moved to Flem- 
ing county, Kentucky, also, where they raised a family of six 
sons and six daughters. 

John Power, from Loudon county, Virginia, when he grew 
to manhood, married one of the Sej'^bold daughters— Sally 
Seybold. They were my parents. I was born in Fleming 
county, Kentucky, September 19, 1819, and supplied with the 
name at the head of this sketch. John Carroll Power and 
Sarah A. Harris were married May 14, 1845, at Aurora, Indi- 
ana, her native place. Her father, "William Tell Harris, who 
died many years ago, was an accomplished linguist. He was 
a native Englishman. His grandfather, William Fox, founded 
the first Sunda3' School Society in the world, in the city of 
London, September 7, 1785. Mrs. Power's grandfather on 
the maternal side was Kev. John Wadsworth, a clergyman of 
the Church of England. He was rector of .one parish near the 
city of Manchester for about forty years. Mrs. Power was 
educated at Granville, Ohio, in an institution conducted by 
the Protestant Episcopal Church, of which her parents were 
members. 

The attempt to steal the body of Lincoln attracted almost 
universal attention, and was commented on in ways almost 
innumerable. Being then, as now. Custodian of the Monu- 
ment, my name was often mentioned. Before that I had 
formed a very pleasant acquaintance with General Edwin A. 
Sherman, while he was in the U. S. Government service at 
Reno, Nevada, and after the removal of his headquarters to 
San Francisco, and his residence to Oakland, California. He 
had visited the Lincoln Monument, and is at the head of The 
Lincoln Grand Guard of Honor, which holds Lincoln Memorial 
Services in many towns and cities on the Pacific slope. We 
have kept up a pleasant correspondence from our first meet- 
ing to the present time. Gen. Sherman prepared a beautiful 




J. C. POWER, CUSTODIAN NATIONAL LINCOLN MONUMENT, 

AS AN HON'OBARY MEMBER OF THE 

LIXCOLX GRAND GUARD OF HOXQR, CALIFORNIA DI^'IMON. 
Photographed on bis "(ttu Birthday, by Pittmax. 



THE LINCOL.N GUARD OF HONOR. 271 

testimonial in recognition of the services of the Custodian. It 
is composed of a sonnet, with a likeness of the Custodian, the 
whole surmounted by a profile of Lincoln. It is intended to 
be, and is, framed. It is altogether so complimentary that I 
have heretofore refrained from pubhshing it. But now that it 
forms part of history, I insert it here: 

TO JOHN CAEEOLL POWEE. 

BY MAJOK E. A. SHEKMAN, EENO, NEVADA. 

Oh, guardian of a Nation's trust, 
■ Still watchful o'er the sacred dust 
Of martyred Lincoln — immortal gem 
In Freedom's treasured diadem. 
Of all the true beneath the sun, 
Thou faithful soldier— knight ! "Well done !" 
Let this be thine emolument ; 
Thou hast kept his monument ! 
No jackal, lynx, nor prowling ghoul, 
Nor midnight thief with burglar's tool, 
Nor traitor spy, nor murd'rous knave. 
Can rob the Martyred Lincoln's grave. 
The Jewel's safe beneath the tower — 
'Tis guarded well by Honors Power. 

Later, Gen. Sherman summoned some of his immediate 
friends, and they purchased and sent to the Custodian still 
other valuable testimonials. One is in the form of a collar, 
of the richest red, white and blue silk, hned with crimson 
satin. Gold fringe is pendent from all parts of it, and the 
entire surface is covered with patriotic emblems in gold. Ac- 
companying the collar came a massive ring of gold. On the 
outside of the ring, in addition to some cabalistic letters and 
characters, the sun and all-seeing eye; 57, the number they 
o-ave him as an honorary member of their local society, is 
enclosed in a triangle; 21, the number Ilhnois occupies as a 
member of the American Union of States, is enclosed in a five 
pointed star ; 13, the number of the original States of the 
Union ; 38, the number of States when it was sent ; and 56, 
the number of the signers to the Declaration of American In- 
dependence ; also the number of the years of Lincoln's age at 
the time of his death. These latter numbers are each enclosed 
in a circle. Inside, the ring bears the inscription, "To Sup. 
Cust., G. G. C, John C. Power, Springfield, 111. From his Cali- 
fornia Fraters." 



272 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

Not having any children to take an interest in these souve- 
nirs, it is my desire that they shall be deposited and kept in 
The Lincoln Guard of Honor cabinet, which we expect to have 
prepared and placed in Memorial Hall of the National Lin- 
coln Monument. 

I was elected secretary of our organization, and by reelec- 
tions have continued to occupy the same position. 

EDWARD SHRADER JOHNSON 

Was born August 29, 1843, in Springfield, Illinois. He re- 
ceived such education as the public schools of Springfield 
afforded, and in addition to that, served four years' appren- 
ticeship at the printing business. He was engaged with his 
father in the boot, shoe and leather trade when the slave- 
holders' rebellion broke out. He enlisted on the first call of 
President Lincoln for 75,000 men, April, 1861, in Co. I, 7th 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, for three months; was appointed 
first sergeant, and served as such the full time of his enlist- 
ment. He reeulisted Julj^ 21, 1861, for three 3^ears, in the 
same company and regiment, at Mound City, Illinois. Ser- 
geant Johnson remained there in charge of the regimental 
property while the companj^ returned home on furlough. At 
the election of officers in Springfield, notwithstanding his ab- 
sence, he was elected First Lieutenant, and served as such 
until February 15, 1862, when he was promoted to Captain, 
to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Captain Noah E. 
Mendell, who was killed in battle at Fort Donelson two days 
before. Captain Johnson commanded his company until Dec. 
22, 1863, when he reenlisted with his company as a veteran. 
He continued in command until April 22, 1861, when he was 
promoted to Major of the regiment. Major Johnson was ap- 
pointed by Gen. John M. Corse, September 30, 1864, Post 
Commandant at Kome, Georgia, and served as such until the 
movement of the grand army on Sherman's "march to the 
sea," in November following. He then returned to his regi- 
ment until all were mustered out, July 25, 1865. 

Major E. S. Johnson participated in the battles of Fort 
Henry, Fort Donelson, Pittsburgh Landing, siege and cap- 
ture of Corinth, Florence, Savannah, Bentonville, besides in- 
numerable skirmishes amounting almost to battles. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 273 

While the Major was on detached duty, his only brother, 
John W. Johnson, two years younger than himself, and a 
member of the same company and regiment, was killed Oct. 
4, 1864, at the battle of Allatoona Pass, Georgia. 

Major Johnson was engaged in business in Springfield from 
the close of the rebellion for more than two years. In con- 
sequence of impaired health, and for observation, he planned 
a European tour, and in companj^ with Dr. Rufus S. Lord 
(now deceased), left Springfield March 30, 1868. They went 
by steamer from New York to Liverpool, thence to London, 
and from there to Paris. From Paris they went to Nice, on 
the ]\Iediterranean, entered Italy at Genoa, thence to Pisa, 
Leghorn and Naples. They visited Herculaneum, Pompeii, 
Vesuvius, etc., etc. From Naples to Rome, Florence and Ve- 
rona. In Austria they visited Trieste and Vienna, thence to 
Dresden, in Prussia.. From there to Berlin, Pottsdam, Co- 
logne, down the Rhine to Coblentz and Maj-ence, where they 
left the Rhine and visited Baden Baden, Heidelberg and Stras- 
bourg; entered Switzerland at Basle, thence to Berne, Lu- 
zerne, IMount Rigi, Martigny, and by the mountain pass, Tete 
Noir, to Chamounix, in the midst of the mountain region 
including Mont Blanc. Thence to Geneva, and from there to 
Paris, where he met Dr. Lord, from whom he had separated 
*at Strasbourg. From Paris they went to London, thence to 
Edinburg, Scotland, and back to Liverpool, where they took 
steamer for New York. From the latter city they proceeded 
to Saratoga, Ticonderoga, on Lake George, Plattsburg, Og- 
deusburg, Prescott, Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Niagara Falls, 
Buffalo and Sarnia, where they took steamer for Chicago, 
reaching Springfield early in September, having spent more 
than five months in physically and mentally invigorating 
travel. 

Edward S. Johnson was married August 10, 1869, in Spring- 
field, to Laura I. Clinton, who was born October 21, r848, 
in Springfield, also. They have three children— Edward Rus- 
sell, Robert Stanton and Mary Clinton. 

Mr. Joel Johnson, the father of Edward S., w^as a native of 
Massachusetts. In 1835 he commenced keeping hotel in 
Springfield, and continued in the business fort3?--two years. 
Late in life he founded one of the principal hotels in Spring- 
field, and in honor of a historic name and event of his native 



274 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

State, called it the "Revere House." Soon after Edward S. 
returned from bis European tour he was associated with his 
father in the hotel business, and on the death of the latter, 
in May, 1877, became the proprietor of the Revere House, 
which he is conducting at the present time — 1889. 

After the attempt to steal the remains of President Lin- 
coln, in selecting only men who were known to be true and 
trusty to g'uard them, the writer, having been deeply im- 
pressed with his brilliant record as a soldier for the preserva- 
tion of the Union, and his many other excellent qualities, 
invited Major Edward S. Johnson to join us, which he ac- 
cepted, and became one of the nine who organized The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor. He has been prompt and faithful in the 
discharge of every duty. Now that our work is done, he, with 
the others forming our band, will, no doubt, remain a member 
for life. 

JAMES FLOYD m'nEILL. 

James F. McNeill was born October 15, 1841, in Springfield, 
Illinois, and was educated in the public schools, and graduated 
in the High School of that city. Two months before he was 
twenty-one years of age he enlisted, August 12, 1862, for three 
years in Co. G, 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, to aid in 
suppressing the great slaveholders' rebellion. He was pro- 
moted to seargent-major, served the full term of his enlistment 
and three days over, and was honorably discharged Aug 15, 
1865. He was afterwards clerk in the office of Adjutant-Gen- 
ei'al of the State. Then he became corresponding clerk in 
the First National Bank of Springfield, Illinois, and re- 
mained with that institution until the spring of 1883, 
when he resigned in order to go into business at 
Oskaloosa, Iowa. He~is now — 1889 — assistant cashier in The 
Farmers and Traders National Bank of that city. 

The origin of this branch of the McNeill fa.mil^^ in America 
was with two brothers — John and Archibald McNeill— who 
emigrated from Scotland in 1770. Archibald was a physician, 
and settled in Georgia. John was a General in the British 
army. He took leave of absence and settled in Kent county, 
in the colony of Maryland. When the war was commenced by 
England, in 1775, against the colonists, because they would 
not submit to taxation without representation. Gen. McNeill 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 275 

was ordered liome for duty, but refused to go, liis sympathies 
being- witli tlie colonists. He aided them in many ways with- 
out entering tlie Kevolutionary army, and was trusted by 
them in return. At one time some American officers were 
holding a consultation at his residence. He discovered a man 
under a window, eavesdropping. He walked back and forth 
by the window, with apparent unconcern, until he threw the 
man off his guard, and then, with a sudden movement, plunged 
his cane through the glass into the face of the eavesdropper, 
who, with a howl of pain, escaped with the loss of an eye. 

When General iMcNeill declined to obey the summons of his 
government, to be put in a position to fight the colonists, 
Avhich he believed would be wrong, that was very near 
of kin to doing the right, by fighting for them. So that, 
if such a term were admissible, he was negatively a Revolu- 
tionary soldier and officer. 

Gen. John McNeill had two sons. His eldest son, Francis 
Asbury ]\IcNeill, was born in Maryland in 1809, the same year 
in W'hich Abraham Lincoln was born. He became a minister 
in the Methodist Episcopal church, and in time his health 
failed so that he could not regularly continue public speaking. 
That caused him to turn his attention to the study of medi- 
cine, and in 1834 became a graduate as Doctor of Medicine, 
at the University of Maryland, in Baltimore. Ur. F. A. McNeill 
moved with his family to Springfield, in 1835, where he prac- 
ticed medicine for twelve years, still retaining his ministerial 
connection. In 1847 he again resumed his ministerial labors, 
which he regarded as the real work of his life. After about 
five years thus spent, he was again compelled to abandon it. 

His great abhorrence of human slavery led him to feel that 
it was not derogatory to his ministerial profession for him to 
take part in politices, and he was a delegate from Ogle county, 
Illinois, to the convention at Bloomington, in 1856, which 
gave birth to the Republica.n party in Illinois. Being per- 
sonally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, he was among the 
first to advocate, as an editor at Mt. Morris and in public 
speeches, his election to the office of President of the United 
States. He was one of the Representatives from Ogle county 
in the Legislature of Illinois when the rebellion commenced in 
1861. He was, at different times, army surgeon and array 
chaplain, both in the field and at different posts. Rev. Fran- 



276 THE LINCOLN GUAKD OF HONOR. 

cis A. McNeill, M. D., died February 3, 1872, at Mount Morris, 
Ogle county, Illinois. His eldest livino- son bears the name at 
the head of this sketch. 

The most difficult part of preparing; these sketches of our 
members, has been to induce the six who each did gallant 
service in the Union army, to give a plain statement of their 
individual services. This reluctance comes, doubtless, through 
fear lest they should seem to magnify their own achievements, 
which is one of many evidences that the truly brave man is 
always modest and unassuming. Not having an opportunity, 
after I commenced the preparation of them, for a personal 
interview with Mr. McNeill, I finally drew from him a written 
statement, which I give verbatim. His comi-ades speak of 
him in the highest terms, but there could not be anything 
more modest than this statement: 

"As to the battles I was in during the war, I can make no great boast. It was 
my fortune — good or bad — to be considered smart enough for clerical work at 
Quai-termaster's Department and sundry Headquarders of District, Post, etc., until 
the greater part of my term of enlistment had expired before I could get to my 
regiment, which was done after much strugghng on my part. After I joined the 
regiment I was with it until mastered out, in all its duty, beginning at the terrible 
disaster of Guntown, Mississippi, which misfortune was retrieved shortly after at 
Tupelo ; thence through Arkansas and Missouri to Nashville, Tennessee, and wind- 
ing up at the siege and capture of Mobile. Yet, as I say, my experience in battles, 
as compared with so many, is to me no foundation for claim to meritorious 
mention. I think it was to my hurt that I was detached from my regiment so long, 
and it was not my seeking or preference, but I, soldier-hke, could only submit." 

[To have served from Guntown to Mobile would not admit 
of a disparaging remark, from any other than the man who 
rendered the service. — Editor.] 

After his service in the army in time of war, James F. 
McNeill took an active part in military affairs, while in Spring- 
field, in connection with the Illinois National Guard. He was 
the first Adjutant General of the Second Brigade, under Gen. 
E. N. Bates, which position he resigned to accept the adju- 
tancy of the Fifth Begiment, under Col. James H. Barkley, 
and was promoted to the office of Lieutenant Colonel of the 
regiment, which office he held until his resignation, when he 
was about to move from the State to Iowa, in 1883. 
■ James F. McNeill was married in Springfield, November 18, 
1872, to Miss Juha E. Hibbs, a native of NeAV York city. 
They have two children— Walter F. and Mabel. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 277 

Mr. McNeill, bein^- one of the nine who organized it, was 
elected Treasurer of The Lincoln Guard of Honor, and con- 
tinued to discharge the duties of the office until his i-emovnl 
from the State. He still retains his membership, and will do 
so for life. He, with his family, reside at Oskaloosa, Iowa. 

JOSEPH TERRY LI M LEY. 

Joseph P. Lindley was born March 20, 1842, at Mansfield, 
Ohio. His parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, were 
married there, and moved to Ohio in 1821. They both died 
when the subject of this sketch w^as seven years of ag-e. He 
was engaged in business in Ohio county, Kentucky, when the 
slaveholders' rebellion commenced. In 1863 he entered the 
telegraph service as operator, in connection with railroading. 
In 1867 he became the local ticket agent at Springfield, Illi- 
nois, of the Chicago & Alton railroad, and has occupied that 
position continuously to the present time— 1889. 

Joseph P. Lindley and Miss Julia A. Herndon were married 
in Springfield, November 19, 1878. They have one son, Joseph 
Fleetwood Lindley, born April 4, 1887. 

Mr. Lindley has been a prominent member of the Masonic 
fraternity for many years, and is now Eminent Commander 
of Elwood Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar, in Springfield. 

Mr. Lindley was in full sympathy with the Union cause 
during the war, and in connection with telegraphy and rail- 
roading, his services, though not equal in aid of suppressing 
the rebellion, were next in importance to carrying a musket. 

By consulting the eighty-second and two succeeding pages 
of this volume, it will be seen that Mr. Lindley was one of 
the six men who prepared for the secret burial of President 
Lincoln's body, by placing it in a receptacle for that purpose 
on the night of November 18, 1878. For want of time, and 
the desire to get out of the suffocating atmosphere in wdiich 
we were compelled to labor, it was not completed that night, 
but the grave Avas left about midnight for the Custodian to 
fill up. The next day Mr. Lindley was married, and was away 
on his wedding tour, when the Custodian received warning, 
through the U. S. mail, of possible danger on the night of 
November 21. The absence of Mr. Lindley on his pleasant 
mission, the demands on the time of McNeill, Johnson and 



278 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

the Custodiaii, by the great number of visiting Odd Fellows 
in the city, made it devolve on Dana and Reece to fill up the 
grave on November 22, as will be seen by the reference above. 
Joseph P. Lindley was one of the nine men who, by mutual 
agreement, assembled in Memorial Hall in the monument and 
organized The Lincoln Guard of Honor. As a member of that 
organization he has ever been true and faithful in the dis- 
charge of every duty. When Mr. McNeill moved to Iowa in 
1883, thus vacating the office of Treasurer* Mr. Lindley, at 
the informal requeb*t of the other members, discharged the duties 
of the office pro teni. to the end of Mr. McNeill's term. At the 
annual election in 1884, Mr. Lindley was elected Treasurer, and 
has continued by reelection to the present time— 1889. He 
will doubtless fill the oflace, the duties of which are now nomi- 
nal, to the end of his life. 

NOBLE BATES WIGGINS. 

Noble B. Wiggins was born October 21, 1841, on a farm 
at Newburgh, near Cleveland, Ohio. His remote ancestors 
were from England and Wales. His father was a iiative of 
Montpelier, Vermont, and his mother of Newburgh, Ohio. 

N. B. Wiggins w^as brought up to farm labor in summer, 
and attending district school in wdnter. In the fall of 1859 
he was placed in the educational institution at Hiram, Ohio, 
presided over by James A. Garfield. After two years devoted 
to study he enlisted, September 19, 1861, at Newburgh, Ohio, 
in Co. G, 42d Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for three 
years. The 42d regiment was commanded by Col. James A. 
Garfield until he was promoted to Brigadier General, in the 
line of promotion that led up to the office of President of 
the United States. 

In order that the reader may understand something of the 
hardships endured by the young men who volunteered to sus- 
tain the government of our country, while others under just 
the same obligation to sustain it, w^ere in armed rebellion 
against its lawful authority, I wdll give a brief synopsis of 
what one of the most fortunate of those young men endured 
—fortunate because he got through without the loss of life or 

limb. 
After Private Wiggins' enlistment, the regiment went into 

Camp Chase, at Columbus, Ohio, October 8. The men were 

employed in constant drilling until the last of December, when 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR, 270 

the regiment was ordered to Big Sandy river, AVest Virginia. 
Twelve days after leaving Camp Chase, January 10, 18(52, 
they were led into the battle of Middle Creek by Col. Garfield. 
The rebels were commanded by Humphrey Marshall, of Ken- 
tucky. In February the regiment made a forced march of 
twenty-five miles in one day and captured Pound Gap, an 
important strategic point. A month or two later, the 42d 
was sent to Louisville, and from there to Lexington, Ken- 
tucky. From there they marched across the State to Cum- 
berland Gap, another important point, arriving in July. 
There Private AViggins was promoted to corporal, and assigned 
to color-guard of the regiment. In August they were in the 
battle of Tazewell, Claibourne county, Tennessee. In Septem- 
tember the 42d left the Gap for a march across the State of 
Kentucky to Greenupsburg, on the Ohio river, one of the 
hardest marches recorded during the war, and their only sub- 
sistence for sixteen days was parched and grated corn. The 
reo-iment crossed over into the State of Ohio, and after three 
weeks rest in camp, were ordered up the Kanawha valley to 
Charleston, West Virginia. In November, the 42d went down 
the Kanawha, Ohio and Mississippi rivers to Memphis, Ten- 
nessee, and from there to the mouth of the Yazoo river, 
arriving December 25. On the morning of the 26th they left 
their boats. From that to the 30th they were in one con- 
tinuous battle, ending in the charge of Chickasaw Bayou, one 
of the hardest fought battles of the war. In this series of 
battles the entire forces on the Union side were commanded 
by Gen. W . T. Sherman. January 1 , 1863, the 42d went down 
the Yazoo to the Mississippi river, and went into camp at 
Young's Point. January 10 the 42d, with other forces, were 
in the' battle of Arkansas Post, under command of Gen. John 
A JNIcClernand, of Springfield, Illinois. After that battle they 
were ordered back to Young's Point, and worked on the canal 
intended to cut Vicksburgh off from navigation. In March 
thev were sent to Alilliken's Bend, from there across the country 
to a point below Vicksburg. There the 42d Ohio Infantry 
became a part of the vast army under Gen. U. S. Grant that, 
about Alav 1, commenced the siege that terminated July 4, 
1863, in the capture of all the strongholds of the rebels, with 
vast quantities of arms and munitions of war, in and around 
Vicksburg, Mississippi, with forty thousand prisoners of war. 



280 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

From thei-e tlie 42d Regiment was transferred to the Army 
of the Gnlf. Corporal Wiggins was promoted to First Ser- 
geant. They had no more hard fighting, but were constantly 
on the move, serving nearly two and a half months over the 
term of his enlistment. Sergeant Wiggins was mustered out 
with his regiment, receiving an honorable discharge, at Col- 
umbus, Ohio, Dec. 2, 1864. 

A summary of the services of Sergeant Wiggins may be 
stated something like the following: He marched four times 
across the State of Kentucky. All his marching reached over 
3,000 miles, and the longest period he was permited to re- 
main in any one camp was three months, in 1864, at Pla- 
quamine, Louisiana. 

The important battles in which he bore a part, were : Mid- 
dle Creek, Ky., Pound Gap, Ky., Cumberland Gap and the cap- 
ture of Tazewell, Tenn. ; sixteen days constant skirmishing, on 
parched corn rations, from Cumberland Gap to the Ohio river; 
Chickasaw Bayou or Haines' Bluff; Arkansas Post and seige 
and capture of Vicksburg. 

This may appear like an extended notice, but it really com- 
presses into the very smallest limits, that which may be said 
of a large majority of more than a million of men, who so 
loved their country that they were willing to cast their liv^es 
in the balance, against others of almost equal numbers, who 
had determined that if they could not use the machinery of 
government to rule the fairest laud on earth, in the interest 
of slavery and oppression, they would ruin it. The mental 
and physical strain of years of marching and fighting, with 
carnage of battle and witnessing the burial of comrades by 
thousands in trenches, would seem to be sufficient to oblit- 
erate all the finer feelings of our nature. But we find, that 
like hundreds of thousands of others, Sergeant Wiggins passed 
through it all, and came out one of the most kindly and 
genial of gentlemen. 

He remained at and about his former home in Ohio nearly 
two and a half yeai'S. 

Newburg is the home of a branch of the famous hotel family 
of the Lelands. April 6, 1867, N. B. Wiggins left Ohio, for 
Springfield, Illinois, and became identified with the new Leland 
Hotel, just completed in that place, by a joint stock com- 
pany, at a cost of |320,000. 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 281 

Noble B. Wiggins and Clarissa P. Leland were married Oct. 
21, 1869, at Newburgh, Ohio. They have two sons and a 
daughter; Horace Leland Wiggins, born March 27, 1871; 
Lewis N. Wiggins, born INlay 22, 1876, and Lncy Alice Wig- 
gins, born July 7, 1881, all three in Springfield, Illinois. 
They have also an adopted son, Jerome A. Leland, born in 
New*^ York City, July 30, 1874. The father of the latter. Ma- 
jor George S. Leland, was a brother of Mrs. Wiggins. Major 
Leland was Chief Commissary in the Union army, and was 
stationed at Harper's Ferry, Virginia, during the year 1863 
and 4. Major Leland died at New York, August 3, 1882. 

N. B. Wiggins has always taken much interest in mihtary 
affairs, and since the IHinois National Guard was organized, 
under the laws of the State, in the year 1877, he has been 
on the military staff, successively, of all the Governors of the 
State— Beveridge, Cullom, Hamilton, Oglesby and Fifer. He 
iiow— 1889— holds the rank of Colonel and A. D. C. 

Colonel N. B. Wiggins Avas one of the nine men who organ- 
ized The Lincoln Gaard of Honor, and has always been 
prompt in the discharge of every duty connected with the 
same, and like each of the others, he will be a member for life. 

With his brother-in-law, Horace S. Leland, under the firm 
name of Leland & Wiggins, they are the owners and proprie- 
tors of the Leland Hotel and Leland farm, at Spriugtield, 
IlUnois. (July, 1889.) Horace S. Leland died at the Leland 
Hotel, August 4, 1889, leaving Mr. Wiggins in charge of the 
hotel. 

HORACE CHAPIN. 

Horace Chapin was born December 27, 1827, at Springfield, 
Massachusetts. He is in the seventh generation from Deacon 
Samuel Chapin, who as one of the Boston colony, was among 
the first to leave there and settle in Springfield. Quartus 
Chapin, in the sixth generation from Deacon Samuel Chapin, 
was the father of the subject of this sketch. Quartus Chapin, 
on the day he w^as tw^enty-one years of age, enUsted in Cap- 
tain Carew's company of Massachusetts militia, and shoul- 
dered his musket in defense of Boston, in the war with Eng- 
land in 1812. Quartus Chapin afterwards married Kuby Sex- 
ton, of Somers, Connecticut. They lived many years in the 
town of Chicopee, Hamden county, Massachusetts, mov- 



282 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

ing from there to Concord, Morgan count3% Illinois, in 1853, 
Avliere he was engaged in farming until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1858. The son, Horace Chapin, was educated at 
Williston Seminary, East Hampton, Massachusetts. In 1849, 
he went to Perrineville, Monmouth county, New Jersey, 
There, and at two other points in the same county, he spent 
three years in teaching. From there he came to Morgan 
county, Ilhnois, in 1853, where, in company with his brother 
Lj'^man, they purchased land, and opened successfully a large 
stock and grain farm. A part of that farm has become a 
villiage of four or five hundred inhabitants, and bears the 
name of Chapin. It is on the Wabash railroad, ten miles 
west of Jacksonville. 

Horace Chapin and Miss Augusta Swazey, a native of Buck- 
port, Maine, were married January 10, 1859, at Minneapolis, 
Minnesota. 

When the war of the rebellion opened, Horace Chapin was 
in full tide of his farming operations. He was importuned by 
ten or more of his workmen to go into the army, who said, 
'•If you will go, we will go with you." Hastily making ar- 
rangements for leaving his farming interests in the hands of 
his brother Lyman, he enlisted August 20, 18G1, in Co. K, 
27th Illinois Vplunteer Infantry, for three years, and was soon 
after raised to the rank of First Lieutenant of the company. 
After the battle of Belmont, Missouri, November 7, 1861, he 
was promoted to Captain of Co. D, in the same regiment, which 
company he commanded in the battles of Union City, Island No. 
10, and Corinth, Mississippi; Nashville, LaVergne and Stone 
Kiver, Tennessee, and Chickamauga, Georgia. In the battle of 
Chickamauga, September, 20, 18G3, he received a gunshot 
wound in the ankle joint of his right leg. Nine weeks later the 
leg was amputated about three inches below the knee. Capt. 
Chapin afterwards received a recommendation signed by Gen, 
Sheridan, his Division commander. Col, Bradley, his Brigade 
commander, and all the ofiicers of his own regiment, for a posi- 
tion in the Invalid Corps, which he declined to apply for, but 
returned home and was honorabl}' discharged, being mustered 
out of the service in September, 1864, He removed his family 
from Chapin to Jacksonville, where he was appointed assistant 
United States assessor in the Tenth District of Illinois. He 
served in that capacity from Jul^^, 1865, to April, 1867, when 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



283 



he was appointed postmaster at Jacksonville, by President 
Johnson, and reappointed by President Grant, ser.ving, in all, 
four years. 

In April, 1867, Captain Chapin purchased a two-thirds in- 
terest in the Jacksonville daily and weekly Journal. He as- 
sumed the business management of the same in July, 1871, 
In April, 1875, Mr. M. F. Simmons purchased one-third in- 
terest in the paper of Mr. K. H. Hobart, the editor, and one- 
half of Captain Chapin's interest. By this transaction, Mr. 
Simmons became two-thirds owner, and assumed editorial 
control, leaving Captain Chapin one-third owner and business 
manager. In 1876 he disposed of his remaining interest, and 
in September, 1878, purchased an interest in the property and 
associated press franchise of the Illinois State Journal, at 
Springfield, the oldest newspaper in the State, and became its 
business manager. In February, 1885, Mr. Chapin sold out 
his interest in the State Journal, and has not since been in 
the newspaper business. 

AVhile Captain Chapin lived in Springfield, The Lincoln Guard 
of Honor was organized. The writer of this thought that a 
man who had made such sacrifices for the principles Lincoln 
died for, could be trusted to guard his tomb; he therefore 
called upon and invited the Captain to take part in instituting 
a society for that purpose. The invitation was, after due 
consideration, accepted, and every duty connected with it has 
been faithfully and patriotically discharged. He Avill doubt- 
less remain a member for life. 

Captain Chapin has no children. Himself and wife are 
members of the Congregational church, and reside in Jack- 
sonville, lUinois, 

CLINTON LEVERING CONKLING. 

Chnton L. Conkling was born in Springfield, Illinois, Oct. 
16, 1843. His remote ancestors, on his father's side, came 
from England about 1650, and settled at Salem, Massachu- 
setts, and afterwards moved to East Hampton, Long Island, 
New York, from whence the family spread through New York 
State and elsewhere in the country. 

The Levering family settled, before the American Revolu- 
tion, at Germantown, now part of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 



284 THE LINCODN GUARD OF H NOR. 

Some of their descendents moved into Maryland. James C. 
Conkliug, a native of New York city, became a graduate of 
Princeton Colleoe, New Jersey, came to Springfield, Illinois, in 
November, 1838, and was admitted to the bar the following 
winter. He was married in Baltimore, Maryland, September 
21, 1811, to Miss Mercy A. Levering, a native of that city. 
They are the parents of the subject of this sketch. 

Hon. James C. Conkling was cotemporary with Abraham 
Lincoln from the time they both began to practice law in 
Springfield, until Mr. Lincoln became President of the United 
States. Mr. Conkling now, after more than half a century of 
continuous practice in the State and Federal courts, and the 
administration of many public trusts, with snow-white locks, 
moves with a step as elastic as that of many a younger man. 
He continues to reside in Springfield. He was one of the 
original members of the National Lincoln Monument Associa- 
tion, and is now a member of the same, reorganized as the 
Lincoln Monument Association. 

When Clinton L. Conkling was a boy there were no public 
schools in Sjjringfield, as we understand the term now; but 
through such public schools as there were, and private tuition, 
he acquired sufficient education to prepare him for college. 
In 1860 he was admitted to Yale College, New Haven, Con- 
necticut, and graduated there in 1864. He was admitted to 
practice law in the State and Federal courts in 1867, at 
Springfield, Illinois, and has since been admitted to practice 
in the Supreme Court of the United States. 

A little episode in connection with his college days is indeli- 
bly impressed on the mind of Mr. Conkling. He was spending 
his vacation in the cit^^ of Baltimore, with relatives on his 
mother's side. On the ever memorable April 19, 1861, when 
the first Union soldiers from Massachusetts, passing through 
that city on their way to the capital of the nation, were as- 
sailed by a rebel mob with paving stones and gunshots, and 
some of their number killed. The soldiers, in return, fired on 
the mob, and killed some of their number. This was the first 
blood shed b}'' the great slaveholder's rebellion. C. L. Conk- 
ling, then but little more than seventeen years of age, was on 
the outskirts of the mob, whei-e people of Union and secession 
sentiments indiscriminately commingled. He saw that fight- 
ing was going on, and finally that lives had been lost on both 



THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 



285 



sides. He remembers distinctly the impressions made upon 
his own mind, that war had actually commenced, but Avhere 
it would end, no mortal could tell. For ten or twelve days 
after that, he was unable to get a telegram to his parents 
in Spring-field, or to get out of the city. 

It is a memorable coincidence that this was the eighty-sixth 
anniversary of the first blood shed in the American devolution, 
at Lexington, M'assachusetts, April 19, 1775. Later in the war, 
when everything in Baltimore was completely under control 
of the government, it so happened that young Conkling was 
again there on a visit when a rebel raid under Gilmore, the 
famous cavalry leader, was made into Maryland and Penn- 
sylvania. Mr. Conkling remembers that the excitement was, 
for a time, almost as great as that of April nineteenth. 

Mr. Conkling has never been a seeker after official positions 
to any considerable extent, although he has discharged some 
important duties in connection with county affairs. He has 
been connected with the public city library of Springfield, for 
some years, as director. He is now President of the Board 
of Education for the city of Springfield, and is generally in- 
terested in public affairs. 

Clinton L. Conkling and INIiss Georgie Barrell were married 
March 12, 18G8, in Springfield. They have two daughters, 
Georgie B. Conkling and Katharine L. Conkling. 

At the organization of the National Lincoln Monument 
Association, May 11, 1865, C. L. Conkling was elected Secre- 
tary, though not a member of the Association. He served 
through the time of and superintended all the heaviest work, 
such as preparing and sending out circulars and recording 
the contributions as they came in. In consequence of business 
engagements he tendered his resignation as Secretary Dec. 
28, 1865, which was accepted Jan. 18, 1866. 

AVhen the time came that it was believed organized protec- 
tion of the body of President Lincoln against ghouls and 
vandals was necessary, great caution was exercised, in order 
that none but the trustworthy should be placed on guard. 
Clinton L. Conkling was invited to be one of the little band. 
Upon the object and necessity for such an organization being 
explained to him, he entered heartily into the spirit of it, and 
was one of the nine who, by mutual agreement, organized 



286 THE LINCOLN GUARD OF HONOR. 

The Lincoln Gnard of Honor. As will be seen in the record, 
he has often aided very materially in our Memorial services, 
and always contributed liberally to defray the expenses. Al- 
though there is not likely to be anything further for us to do, 
he, with all the others, will remain a member for life. 

He is now— 1889— a member of the law firm of Conkling & 
Grout, practicing attorneys of Springfield, lUinois. 

THE END. 



THE LLXCOLX MEMORIAL LEAGUE. 



BY J. C. POWER. 



For a few years after the death of President Lincohi, ladies 
in Springfield, voluntarily and in an informal way, decorated 
his tomb with flowers on the anniversaries of his death, and 
on some other appropriate occasions. They were not always 
regular in their ministrations, and sometimes failed to act, 
but there was one notable exception among them. Aftei- the 
Lincoln Monument was placed under my charge as Custodian, 
I had a good oi)portunity to make observations. The mem- 
bers of the Grand Army of the Republic were not then so 
assiduous as they are now in the custom of making May 30 
a Memorial Day, by strewing the graves of all deceased soldiers 
with flowers. 

The one exception among the ladies above alluded to, Avas 
that of Mrs. E. Frank Nafew, wife of Mr. John A. Nafew, of 
the St. Nicholas Hotel. She had known Mr. Lincoln, and 
been dandled upon his knee many times when she was from 
five to seven years of age, and well remembers seeing him take 
his departure from Springfield for Washington, February 11, 
1861. Mrs. Nafew had two soldier brothers, whose fate, with 
that of her father, forms one of the most mournful chapters 
in family history. The family were from Massachusetts, but 
had lived many years in S])ringfield before the rebellion. 

Her brother, Marshall M. Mclntire, had read law in the 
office of Lincoln & Herndon two years when Mr. Lincoln was 
elected President. September 14, 1861, he enlisted for three 
years in ('o. I, 29th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and became 
First Lieutenant at the organization of the company. At the 



Z THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL LEAGUE. 

first battle of Fort Donelson, Feb. 15, 18G2, Lieut. Marshall 
M. Mclntire was among the slain. His remains were brought 
home to Springfield and buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. \^See 
Revised Reports Adjutant General Illinois, vol. 2, pn^v 403. '\ 

Her father, Benjamin Mclntire, had been employed many 
3^ears on Illinois railroads, and resided in Springfield. He re- 
moved his family to Pittsburg, temporarily, while employed 
as superintendent in the construction of bridges on the Pitts- 
burg & Fort Wayne Railroad. March 9, 1865, at Pittsburg, 
while standing between two tracks on a bridge, he stepped 
back to avoid an approaching train. That brought him in 
front of a train on the other track, going in the opposite di- 
rection, and he was instantly crushed to death. His remains, 
were brought to Springfield and buried by the side of his son. 

Marcus M. Mclntire, the youngest brother, enlisted July 4, 
1862, for three months, in Co. F, 70th Illinois Infantry, served 
full term, and mustered out October 23, 1862. [See Revised 
Adjutant GeneraTs Reports, vol. 4, pn-ii;e 49.'] He lived with 
his mother and sister in Springfield, had been away from home 
for a few days, and was expected to return on a particular 
train. His sister was on the platform of the Chicago & Alton 
depot, in waiting to walk home with him. He stepped out of 
the car, and as he did so, raised his hand in recognition of 
her, not knowing that the platform of the car was covered 
with ice. In a moment he was under the wheels, and a few 
hours later liLs mangled form ceased to breathe. His remains 
were laid by the side of his father and brother. His death 
occurred February 22, 1870. A coincidence between the death 
of the brothers is worthy of mention, in the fact that each of 
them w:as twenty-two years, two months and four days old, 
although they died a little more than eight years apart. 

For many years, when others were Jrregular or failed alto- 
gether, Mrs. Nafew never failed on public days, rain or shine, 
and often without assistance, to place flowers on IJncoln's 
tomb — unless she knew others were going to do so — and on 
the graves of her father, brothers and other soldiers in Oak 
Ridge cemetery. 

While at work over Lincoln's sarcophagus, Mrs. Nafew has, 
on move than one occasion, expressed the opinion that there 
should be, in Springfield, an organization of ladies and gentle- 



THK LINCOLN MEMORLVL LEAGUE. 3 

men who were willing- to work, and whose patriotism was snfR- 
eiently fervent, to be sure that his tomb was decorated on all 
proper occasions. I always agreed with her in that, very 
readily, and for that reason I think she was somewhat sur- 
prised, and perhaps a Httle disappointed, when The Lincoln 
Guard of Honor was organized without any ladies. From 
the character of the work we had to do, I could not then: 
explain. 

In consequence of the untiring labors of Mrs. Nafew, as in- 
dicated in part by the foregoing statements, Stephenson Post 
No. 30, Grand Army of the Republic, after taking the proper 
steps to do so, admitted her as a comrade, and at a meeting 
of the Post, July 3, 1880, she was regularly invested Avith the 
badge of the order. To the present time, she is the only lady 
in the United States regularly authorized to wear the G. A. II. 
badge, and be regarded as a comrade among them. 

After The Lincoln Guard of Honor resolved to suspend its 
labors, and before that fact was made public, I sought an 
interview with Mrs. Nafew and explained the situation, telling 
her that the time had arrived for such a society as she had 
often expressed a desire to see, and that the way was open 
for her to take the lead in organizing it. 

Major R. B. Hoover, superintendent of the Telephone Ex- 
change in Springfield, who had been a gallant soldier in the 
Union army, had often said that he would like to belong to 
such a society. I informed Mrs. Nafew of that, and asked her 
if she thought they could cooperate with each other in forming 
one; but told her distinctly that I wished to leave her free to 
call to her aid such parties only as she desired. There was 
nothing in the way, and I informed Major Hoover of the situ- 
ation. Their first meeting was held, with other ladies and 
gentleman, at the Leland Hotel, April 2, 1888. 

In choosing a name, they were about to select Lincoln Me- 
morial Association. It will readily be seen that it would cause 
confusion, because of the similarity in sound between that and 
Lincoln Monument Association. I immediately wrote a note 
each to Mrs. Nafew and Major Hoover, under date of April 2, 
1888, pointing out the difiiculty, and suggesting for a name 
The Lincoln ^ylemorial League. That was adopted at a meet- 
ino-the same evening. 



4 THE LINCOLN MEMOIUAL LEAGUE. 

A certificate of organization for The Lincoln Memorial 
League was issued bj the Secretary of State of Illinois, dated 
April 6, 1886, with the names of 

■ R. B. Hoover, President. 
J. R. Stewart, Vice President. 
Mrs. Adela D. Niles, 2d Vice President. 
Mrs. E. Frank Nafew, Secretary. 
M. H. Patton, Treasurer. 
Rev. B. F. Grouse, Chaplain. 

"The Lincoln Memorial League" has held two very credi- 
table memorial services at the Monument, April 15, 1888, and 
April 15, 1889, and there does not appear to be any reason 
why they should not be perpetuated. The League may be 
composed of forty-two members, or one for each State in 
the Union. There ought to be that number of intelligent, 
earnest and patriotic ladies and gentlemen in Springfield who 
will take pride in devoting their united efforts to keep up the 
interest, and especially keep green the memoi-y of Lincoln, at 
his Tomb. 








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